The UEFA EURO 2024 final was a highly anticipated event for football fans globally. Held in the iconic Olympiastadion Berlin, the match saw Spain and England battle for the coveted title. For those looking back at this thrilling contest, understanding the specifics, such as the Euro Cup Final Time and location, enhances the experience of reliving the event. This article delves into the details surrounding the EURO 2024 final, providing a comprehensive overview for enthusiasts.
When Did the EURO 2024 Final Kick Off?
The UEFA EURO 2024 final took place on Sunday, July 14th, a date marked in calendars across Europe and beyond. The euro cup final time was set for 21:00 CET (Central European Time). This prime-time slot ensured maximum viewership across different time zones, allowing fans from various parts of the world to tune in and witness the climax of the tournament. For fans in the UK, the kickoff was at 20:00 BST, while those on the East Coast of the United States could watch the game in the afternoon.
Where Was the EURO 2024 Final Venue?
The stage for this monumental clash was the Olympiastadion Berlin, Germany. This historic stadium, the largest in the EURO 2024 tournament with a seating capacity of 71,000, provided a fitting backdrop for the final.
Olympiastadion Berlin hosted the EURO 2024 final, a venue rich in history and sporting significance.
Home to Hertha BSC Berlin, a team in the German second tier, Olympiastadion Berlin is no stranger to hosting major sporting events. It has been the consistent venue for the German Cup final since 1985 and has played host to numerous prestigious European and international matches. Notably, it was the venue for the 2006 FIFA World Cup final, where Italy triumphed over France, and the 2015 UEFA Champions League final, where Barcelona defeated Juventus.
Beyond the final, Olympiastadion Berlin was a key venue throughout EURO 2024, hosting three group stage matches, a round of 16 game, and a quarter-final. This made it a central hub of the tournament, culminating in the final showdown.
Who Competed in the EURO 2024 Final?
The EURO 2024 final was contested between two football powerhouses: Spain and England. Spain, with a rich history in the competition, entered the final as three-time champions (1964, 2008, and 2012). Their victory in 2024 marked their fourth title, making them the most successful nation in EURO history. This was Spain’s fifth EURO final appearance, with their only previous defeat in a final being against France in 1984.
Spain, EURO 2024 champions, competed in their fifth final, showcasing their historical dominance in the tournament.
England, on the other hand, were seeking their first EURO title. Reaching the final in 2024 marked their second consecutive EURO final appearance. Unfortunately for the English fans, history repeated itself as they finished as runners-up once again, having lost the EURO 2020 final to Italy on penalties at Wembley Stadium. This marked England’s first EURO final appearance prior to 2020, adding to the heartbreak of another near miss.
Was This the First EURO Final in Olympiastadion Berlin?
Yes, the EURO 2024 final was the first time Olympiastadion Berlin had the honor of hosting a EURO final. While West Germany hosted the 1988 UEFA European Championship, the final that year was held in Munich’s Olympiastadion. In that 1988 final, the Netherlands secured victory over the USSR with a 2-0 scoreline. Berlin had to wait until 2024 to finally host the EURO final, making it a significant milestone for the city and the stadium.
Who Was the Referee for the EURO 2024 Final?
The crucial task of officiating the EURO 2024 final was entrusted to François Letexier from France. As a highly respected referee, Letexier brought his experience and expertise to ensure fair play and maintain control in such a high-stakes match. His selection underscored UEFA’s commitment to appointing top-level officials for major tournament finals.
EURO Final Records and Milestones
The EURO 2024 final not only decided the champion but also added chapters to the history books of the tournament. Spain’s victory solidified their position as the most successful team in the UEFA European Championship’s history with four titles. Germany remains a strong contender, having appeared in six finals in total, highlighting their consistent presence at the pinnacle of European football.
Host Nation Success in EURO Finals
Historically, host nations have had mixed fortunes in EURO finals. Spain (1964), Italy (1968), and France (1984) have all celebrated EURO final victories on their home turf. However, the pressure of home advantage has also led to disappointment for host nations. Portugal (2004), France (2016), and England (2020) all experienced the bitter taste of defeat in a EURO final played in their own country. Germany’s journey in EURO 2024 ended in the quarter-finals, as they were defeated by Spain, preventing them from adding their name to either list.
Biggest Wins and Highest Scoring Finals
Looking back at EURO final history, some matches stand out for their scorelines. The largest margin of victory in a EURO final was Spain’s dominant 4-0 win against Italy in the EURO 2012 final held in Kyiv. This match remains a benchmark for final performances.
Spain’s 4-0 victory in the EURO 2012 final against Italy remains the biggest win in EURO final history.
In terms of goals, the highest-scoring EURO final occurred twice. The Spain vs. Italy EURO 2012 final (4-0) and the 1976 final between West Germany and Czechoslovakia both saw four goals. The 1976 final, held in Belgrade, was particularly dramatic, ending 2-2 after extra time before Czechoslovakia won 5-3 in a penalty shootout.
Champions League and EURO Double Winners
A unique achievement is winning both the UEFA Champions League and the EURO final in the same summer. Ten players have accomplished this rare feat. In 2024, Dani Carvajal, Nacho, and Joselu (Real Madrid & Spain) joined this elite group. Other notable players include Luis Suárez (1964), a quartet of Dutch players in 1988, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata (2012), Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe (2016), and Jorginho (2020).
Multiple EURO Final Appearances and Scoring Records
Thirty-one players have the distinction of playing in two EURO finals. At EURO 2024, England’s Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Luke Shaw, Declan Rice, Harry Kane, and Bukayo Saka joined this group, having also played in the 2020 final. Cristiano Ronaldo holds a unique record, appearing in EURO finals 12 years apart (2004 and 2016).
No player has scored more than two goals in a EURO final. Fernando Torres (Spain) is the only player to have scored in two separate EURO finals (2008 and 2012). Berti Vogts (West Germany/Germany) has a different kind of record, being the only person to win the EURO as both a player (1972 – non-playing squad member) and a coach (1996).
EURO Final Host Cities Through the Years
The EURO final has been hosted in 14 different venues across 12 countries. The EURO 2024 final in Berlin was the 17th EURO final in the tournament’s history.
List of EURO Final Host Cities:
- 1960: Paris, France
- 1964: Madrid, Spain
- 1968: Rome, Italy
- 1972: Brussels, Belgium
- 1976: Belgrade, Yugoslavia
- 1980: Rome, Italy
- 1984: Paris, France
- 1988: Munich, Germany
- 1992: Gothenburg, Sweden
- 1996: London, England
- 2000: Rotterdam, Netherlands
- 2004: Lisbon, Portugal
- 2008: Vienna, Austria
- 2012: Kyiv, Ukraine
- 2016: Saint-Denis, France
- 2020: London, England
- 2024: Berlin, Germany
Who Was the EURO 2024 Mascot?
Finally, no EURO tournament is complete without its mascot. For EURO 2024, it was Albärt, a friendly teddy bear. Albärt’s mission was to encourage children across Europe to be active and embrace the spirit of the tournament.
Albärt, the EURO 2024 mascot, aimed to inspire children’s activity and engagement with the tournament.
In conclusion, the EURO 2024 final was a memorable event, steeped in history and excitement. Knowing the euro cup final time, the venue, and the participating teams provides a richer context for appreciating this significant moment in European football history. From records broken to new milestones achieved, the EURO 2024 final in Berlin will be remembered for years to come.
