BERLIN (AP) — Spain has etched its name into European soccer history, claiming a record fourth title at Soccer Euro 2024. In a heart-stopping final, Spain triumphed over England with a 2-1 victory, prolonging England’s agonizing quest for a major men’s championship.
The Soccer Euro 2024 final, held on Sunday, July 14, 2024, witnessed Spain’s dominance throughout the tournament culminate in a thrilling showdown against England. Mikel Oyarzabal, an unexpected hero, emerged as the match-winner, scoring in the 86th minute to secure Spain’s triumph.
Oyarzabal, initially a substitute for captain Alvaro Morata, seized his moment, expertly tapping in a precise left-wing cross from Marc Cucurella. This decisive goal arrived just as the tension-filled match at Berlin’s iconic Olympiastadion seemed destined for extra time.
England, the very birthplace of soccer, remains in pursuit of a significant title in men’s international football since their 1966 World Cup win. The English players watched with dejection as Morata lifted the coveted silver trophy amidst a spectacular display of confetti and fireworks within the historic stadium, originally constructed for the 1936 Olympic Games.
This Soccer Euro 2024 victory adds to Spain’s impressive European Championship legacy, joining their previous wins in 1964, 2008, and 2012.
“Here we are, champions of Europe,” exclaimed Nico Williams, whose opening goal for Spain in the 47th minute set the stage for the drama. England substitute Cole Palmer equalized in the 73rd minute, but Spain’s resolve held firm. “We are thrilled and hope this momentum continues as we aim for the 2026 World Cup,” Williams added, brimming with optimism.
Lamine Yamal, the prodigious talent who celebrated his 17th birthday on Saturday, became the youngest player ever to feature in a European Championship. Yamal played a crucial role in Williams’ goal, initiating the attack with a skillful run inside before delivering a perfectly weighted pass across the penalty area. These two dynamic wingers have become emblematic figures of an exciting and diverse Spanish team, reflecting the evolving demographics of Spain.
Yamal’s heritage traces back to Equatorial Guinea through his mother and Morocco through his father, while the 22-year-old Williams has Ghanaian parents who embarked on a challenging journey to Europe in search of a better future. Their arduous path to Spain involved a perilous ride on a crowded truck and a demanding trek barefoot across the Sahara desert.
“I believe this is a historic shift, and we are deeply grateful,” expressed Williams, recognized as the player of the match for his electrifying runs and his second goal of Soccer Euro 2024 overall.
“My parents endured immense hardship to reach here. They are the ones who have sacrificed the most and instilled in me this profound sense of respect and loyalty,” he shared. “I am overjoyed because we are making history.”
Unlike his brother Inaki, who represents Ghana internationally, Nico Williams chose to represent Spain and is now celebrated as a national hero.
Spain’s Resurgence in International Soccer
Spain is re-emerging as a dominant force in international soccer, adding this Soccer Euro 2024 title to their recent triumphs. They also secured the Women’s World Cup title – also against England – and the men’s UEFA Nations League title in 2023, signaling a new era of Spanish soccer prowess.
Since 2001, Spanish men’s teams have achieved an astonishing record of 23 consecutive major final victories in both club and international competitions, showcasing their sustained excellence.
“I stated before the tournament, nobody can compete with us,” Williams confidently declared, reflecting the team’s unwavering belief in their abilities.
Spain’s Unprecedented Euro 2024 Campaign
Spain’s journey to the Soccer Euro 2024 title was nothing short of remarkable. They won all seven of their matches throughout the tournament – a feat never before accomplished in the European Championship history. Furthermore, they broke the record for the most goals scored in a single Euro tournament, netting an impressive 15 goals.
Scenes of jubilation erupted after the final whistle. Defender Dani Carvajal was engulfed by ecstatic teammates after collapsing to the ground in sheer joy. Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, was lifted into the air by his celebrating players. Cucurella and Yamal led the charge, jumping over the advertising boards to share the victory with the passionate Spanish fans clad in red and yellow in the stadium’s east end.
“This is the ultimate birthday present I could have wished for,” Yamal beamed. “It’s a dream come true.”
After receiving his medal, the teenage sensation turned, pumped his fist in celebration, stuck out his tongue playfully, and flashed a wide, infectious grin. Yamal and his teammates proudly donned Spain jerseys emblazoned with “Kings of Europe” and the number “4” on the back, commemorating their historic achievement.
Back in Madrid, fans who had gathered to watch the game on a giant screen erupted in wild celebrations, chanting “champions, champions” in Spanish. It was a day of double sporting glory for Spain, as Carlos Alcaraz had earlier clinched his second consecutive Wimbledon men’s singles title, adding to the national pride just hours before the Soccer Euro 2024 final.
England’s Euro 2024 Heartbreak Continues
For England, this Soccer Euro 2024 final defeat marks another painful chapter in their long wait for a major men’s title. The team has now suffered losses in back-to-back Euro finals – having been defeated by Italy in a penalty shootout on home soil in the Euro 2020 final in 2021. This latest setback means England will endure at least six decades without a major trophy by the time the next World Cup arrives.
Despite the men’s team’s struggles, England’s women’s team has enjoyed greater success, winning the European Championship in 2022 and reaching the World Cup final in 2023, offering a glimmer of hope for English football on the international stage.
“This time, it simply wasn’t destined to be,” Prince William, who attended the final alongside dignitaries including Spain’s King Felipe, conveyed in a social media message. “We remain immensely proud of you all.”
Remarkably, England had shown resilience throughout Soccer Euro 2024, coming from behind in four consecutive games since the group stage. However, their comeback spirit fell short in the final.
A team that had produced moments of brilliance throughout Euro 2024, including Jude Bellingham’s spectacular 95th-minute overhead kick against Slovakia in the round of 16, couldn’t conjure another moment of magic when it mattered most. Spain’s midfielder Dani Olmo cleared a crucial ball off the line from an England corner in the 89th minute, effectively sealing Spain’s victory.
“It has been a challenging journey, and we performed exceptionally well to reach this stage, but ultimately, we will be judged on this final game,” England captain Harry Kane acknowledged with disappointment.
“It’s incredibly painful,” he added. “This hurt will linger for a very long time.”
England coach Gareth Southgate, who has led the team for eight years and guided them to the World Cup semifinals in 2018, stated that it was not the opportune moment to decide his future. His contract is set to expire in December.
“The majority of this squad will be around not just for the World Cup but also for the next Euros,” Southgate commented, looking ahead. “There is much to anticipate, but at this moment, that offers little consolation.”
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Ciaran Fahey and James Ellingworth in Berlin, Daniella Matar in Milan and Joseph Wilson in Barcelona, Spain, contributed to this report.
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AP Euro 2024: https://apnews.com/hub/euro-2024
