Updated: July 11, 2024
The UEFA Euro 2024 tournament has reached its thrilling climax, setting the stage for a captivating final showdown. After weeks of intense competition and memorable moments, Spain and England have emerged as the Euros Favorites, ready to battle for the coveted title.
This Sunday, July 14th, at 3 p.m. ET, all eyes will be on the pitch as these two football powerhouses collide in a match broadcast live on FOX and the FOX Sports App. Fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating this clash of titans, and the betting odds reflect the high stakes and close predictions for this epic finale.
Spain secured their place in the Euro 2024 final with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over France in Tuesday’s semi-final. Despite conceding an early goal in the 8th minute, the Spanish team demonstrated resilience and attacking prowess to turn the game around.
Spanish midfielder Lamine Yamal celebrates his goal against France in the Euro 2024 semi-final, becoming the youngest scorer in Euros history.
The standout moment of the match came from Spain’s sensational young talent, Lamine Yamal. At just 16 years old, Yamal etched his name into the history books by scoring a stunning equalizer from outside the box in the 21st minute. This remarkable feat made him the youngest player ever to score in a Euros or World Cup match, surpassing the legendary Pelé’s long-standing record.
Adding to France’s woes, Dani Olmo swiftly followed up Yamal’s goal with another in the 25th minute, putting Spain in the lead. From then on, Spain showcased their defensive solidity, successfully holding off a persistent French attack and securing their passage to the final. This victory also marked a historical milestone for Spain, becoming the first team to win six consecutive matches in a single Euro tournament, highlighting their status as strong euros favorites.
Meanwhile, England’s journey to the final was equally dramatic, culminating in a 2-1 victory against the Netherlands. Mirroring the Spain-France semi-final, England also conceded an early goal, with Xavi Simons finding the net for the Netherlands in the 7th minute. However, England responded swiftly, with Harry Kane converting a penalty in the 18th minute to level the score.
Spanish midfielder Lamine Yamal celebrates his goal against France in the Euro 2024 semi-final, becoming the youngest scorer in Euros history.
The tension mounted as the game progressed, with both teams searching for a winning goal. It was substitute Ollie Watkins who emerged as the hero for England, scoring a crucial goal in the 90th minute. Watkins’ late strike not only secured England’s place in the final but also became only the second 90th-minute winning goal in a Euro knockout match that was tied, adding to the drama and excitement of the tournament.
As the final approaches, the betting odds from DraftKings Sportsbook (as of July 10) provide insights into the perceived euros favorites:
Odds to Win UEFA Euro 2024:
Spain: -155 (Bet $10 to win $16.45 total)
England: +120 (Bet $10 to win $22 total)
The odds indicate that Spain is currently considered the slight favorite to win Euro 2024. However, England, with their strong squad and passionate fanbase, are close behind and seen as a serious contender. The final promises to be a tightly contested affair, and the tag of euros favorites will be fiercely contested on the pitch.
To further understand the historical context of this final, here is a list of previous UEFA Euro champions:
2020: Italy def. England
2016: Portugal def. France
2012: Spain def. Italy
2008: Spain def. Germany
2004: Greece def. Portugal
2000: France def. Italy
1996: Germany def. Czech Republic
1992: Denmark def. Germany
1988: Netherlands def. Soviet Union
1984: France def. Spain
1980: West Germany def. Belgium
1976: Czechoslovakia def. West Germany
1972: West Germany def. Soviet Union
1968: Italy def. Yugoslavia
1964: Spain def. Soviet Union
1960: Soviet Union def. Yugoslavia
The upcoming final between Spain and England is set to be a historic event, pitting two of Europe’s top teams against each other for the ultimate prize in continental football. While Spain may be the slight euros favorites according to bookmakers, England will be determined to upset the odds and claim their first-ever European Championship title. Football fans around the globe are counting down the hours to witness who will emerge as the Euro 2024 champion.