Olympiastadion Berlin in Germany was the esteemed venue for the UEFA EURO 2024 final, hosting the anticipated clash between Spain and England on Sunday, July 14th. This marked a significant moment in European football, drawing global attention to Berlin.
When and Where Did the EURO 2024 Final Take Place?
The UEFA EURO 2024 final was held on Sunday, July 14th, with the match commencing at 21:00 CET. The iconic Olympiastadion Berlin was selected as the host stadium. As the largest stadium in the tournament, it boasts a seating capacity of 71,000, providing a grand stage for the finale. This historic stadium is the home ground of Hertha BSC Berlin, a prominent team in the German second tier. Furthermore, Olympiastadion Berlin has been the consistent host of the German Cup final since 1985, solidifying its place in German football history. Its pedigree extends to international events, having famously hosted the 2006 FIFA World Cup final between Italy and France, and the 2015 UEFA Champions League final where Barcelona triumphed over Juventus.
Beyond the final spectacle, Olympiastadion Berlin played a crucial role throughout EURO 2024, hosting three group stage matches, a round of 16 game, and a quarter-final, underscoring its importance in the tournament’s infrastructure. Berlin itself stood out as one of the prominent EURO 2024 host cities, contributing to the overall excitement and success of the event.
Which Nations Competed in the EURO 2024 Final?
The EURO 2024 final witnessed a compelling contest 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 Berlin secured 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 dating back to 1984 against France.
England, on the other hand, reached their second consecutive EURO final, showcasing their consistent performance in recent tournaments. However, they were seeking to overcome the disappointment of their previous EURO final in 2020, where they lost to Italy on penalties at Wembley Stadium. EURO 2024 marked only England’s second ever appearance in a EURO final, highlighting the significance of their journey to the Berlin showdown.
Was it the First EURO Final Hosted in Olympiastadion Berlin?
Yes, the EURO 2024 final was the first time Olympiastadion Berlin hosted a EURO final. While West Germany was the host nation for the 1988 UEFA European Championship, the final match that year was held in Munich’s Olympiastadion. In that 1988 final, the Netherlands emerged victorious, defeating the USSR 2-0.
Who Officiated the EURO 2024 Final as Referee?
The responsibility of refereeing the high-stakes EURO 2024 final was entrusted to François Letexier from France. His selection to officiate this prestigious match underscores his reputation and experience as a top-level referee in European football.
Which Nations Have the Most Appearances and Wins in EURO Finals?
With their victory in the EURO 2024 finale, Spain became the outright leader in EURO history with four titles. Germany, while a dominant force in European football, has featured in six finals but holds fewer titles than Spain. Spain’s fifth final appearance at EURO 2024 further cemented their legacy in the tournament.
Have Host Nations Ever Triumphed in a EURO Final?
Historically, host nations have experienced both success and heartbreak in EURO finals. Three host countries have won the EURO final on home soil: Spain (1964), Italy (1968), and France (1984). However, three host nations have also suffered defeat in the final at home: Portugal (2004), France (2016), and England (2020). Germany, the EURO 2024 host, did not reach the final, having been eliminated by Spain in the quarter-finals.
What Was the Most Decisive Victory in a EURO Final?
The record for the biggest win in a EURO final belongs to Spain, who convincingly defeated Italy 4-0 in the EURO 2012 final held in Kyiv. This dominant performance remains a benchmark for final victories in the competition.
What EURO Final Saw the Most Goals Scored?
The EURO final with the highest goal count is shared between two matches, both featuring four goals. Spain’s 4-0 victory over Italy in the 2012 final is one instance. The other is the 1976 final between West Germany and Czechoslovakia in Belgrade, which ended 2-2 after extra time. Czechoslovakia ultimately won 5-3 in a penalty shootout, contributing to the four-goal total in regular and extra time.
Which Players Have Won Both the UEFA Champions League and EURO Final in the Same Year?
An exclusive group of footballers have achieved the remarkable feat of winning both the European Cup/UEFA Champions League and a EURO final in the same summer. This elite list includes:
1964: Luis Suárez (Inter Milan & Spain)
1988: Hans van Breukelen, Ronald Koeman, Berry van Aerle, Gerald Vanenburg (PSV Eindhoven & Netherlands)
2012: Fernando Torres, Juan Mata (Chelsea & Spain)
2016: Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe (Real Madrid & Portugal)
2020: Jorginho (Chelsea & Italy)
2024: Dani Carvajal, Nacho, Joselu (Real Madrid & Spain)
This demonstrates the pinnacle of club and international success achievable in a single year.
Which Players Have the Most EURO Final Appearances?
Thirty-one players have the distinction of playing in two EURO finals. At EURO 2024, several England players, including 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 stands alone with a record for appearing in EURO finals 12 years apart (2004 and 2016), showcasing incredible longevity at the highest level.
Fernando Torres (Spain) holds a unique record as the only player to score in two separate EURO finals (2008 and 2012). Berti Vogts (West Germany/Germany) has a distinct achievement, winning the EURO as both a player (1972) and a coach (Germany 1996), though he was a non-playing squad member in the 1972 final.
Where Have EURO Finals Been Historically Staged?
To date, EURO finals have been hosted in 14 different venues across 12 countries. The EURO 2024 final in Berlin marked the 17th EURO final in the tournament’s history. The venues are:
1960: Parc des Princes, Paris (France)
1964: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid (Spain)
1968: Stadio Olimpico, Rome (Italy)
1972: Roi Baudouin, Brussels (Belgium)
1976: Stadion FK Crvena zvezda, Belgrade (Yugoslavia)
1980: Stadio Olimpico, Rome (Italy)
1984: Parc des Princes, Paris (France)
1988: Olympiastadion, Munich (Germany)
1992: Ullevi, Gothenburg (Sweden)
1996: Wembley Stadium, London (England)
2000: Feijenoord Stadium, Rotterdam (Netherlands)
2004: Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica, Lisbon (Portugal)
2008: Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Vienna (Austria)
2012: NSK Olimpiyskyi, Kyiv (Ukraine)
2016: Stade de France, Saint-Denis (France)
2020: Wembley Stadium, London (England)
2024: Olympiastadion, Berlin (Germany)
Who Was the Official Mascot for EURO 2024?
The official mascot for EURO 2024 was Albärt, a friendly teddy bear. Albärt’s mission throughout the tournament was to encourage children across Europe to engage in physical activity and embrace the spirit of the game.
