The UEFA EURO 2024 tournament culminated in a thrilling final match to decide the champion of Europe. Fans across the globe eagerly anticipated this showdown, and naturally, the key questions on everyone’s mind were: when and where would this prestigious final take place? This article breaks down all the essential details about the EURO 2024 final, ensuring you have all the information you need about this landmark event in football.
EURO 2024 Final Date and Time
The UEFA EURO 2024 final was held on Sunday, July 14th, 2024. Football fans marked their calendars for this date as the climax of the tournament. The match kicked off at 9:00 PM Central European Time (CET). This primetime slot ensured maximum viewership across Europe and beyond, allowing fans from various time zones to tune in and witness the crowning of the European champions. For viewers in the UK, the kickoff was at 8:00 PM British Summer Time (BST), while for those on the East Coast of the United States, it was 3:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
EURO 2024 Final Location: Olympiastadion Berlin
Alt text: Olympiastadion Berlin illuminated for the EURO 2024 final match, showcasing the stadium’s architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
The iconic Olympiastadion Berlin in Germany was selected as the venue for the EURO 2024 final. This stadium, steeped in history and sporting significance, provided a fitting backdrop for such a monumental occasion. Located in Berlin, the capital of Germany, Olympiastadion is the largest stadium in the EURO 2024 tournament, boasting a substantial capacity of 71,000 spectators.
About Olympiastadion Berlin
Olympiastadion Berlin is more than just a football stadium; it’s a landmark with a rich and varied history. Originally built for the 1936 Summer Olympics, it has undergone several renovations to modernize its facilities while preserving its historical essence. Currently, it serves as the home ground for Hertha BSC Berlin, a club in the German second tier.
Beyond club football, Olympiastadion Berlin has consistently hosted significant sporting events. It has been the venue for every German Cup final since 1985, underscoring its importance in German football. Furthermore, it has staged numerous prestigious European and international matches, including the unforgettable 2006 FIFA World Cup final where Italy triumphed over France. In more recent times, it hosted the 2015 UEFA Champions League final, where Barcelona defeated Juventus to lift the coveted trophy.
For EURO 2024, Olympiastadion Berlin was not only the venue for the final but also hosted several other key matches, including three group stage games, a round of 16 match, and a quarter-final. This made it a central hub for the tournament, culminating in the grand finale.
Which Teams Competed in the EURO 2024 Final?
The EURO 2024 final saw a clash of footballing titans: Spain and England.
Spain, with a rich history in the European Championship, entered the final as a formidable force. Having previously won the EURO title in 1964, 2008, and 2012, Spain was aiming to become the first team to secure five EURO titles. Their journey to the 2024 final marked their fifth appearance in a EURO decider, with their only previous final defeat dating back to 1984 against France.
Alt text: Jubilant Spanish players celebrating a goal during a EURO 2024 match, highlighting their team spirit and determination.
England, on the other hand, was looking to end their wait for a major international trophy. They reached their second successive EURO final, having been runners-up in the EURO 2020 final where they lost to Italy on penalties at Wembley Stadium. The EURO 2024 final was only England’s second ever appearance in a European Championship final, making it a high-stakes match for the Three Lions and their fans.
Alt text: English national team players huddled together pre-match at EURO 2020, displaying team focus and tactical preparation.
Historical Significance: EURO Finals in Berlin
The EURO 2024 final marked a historic first for Olympiastadion Berlin as it was the first time the stadium had ever hosted a European Championship final. While West Germany hosted the EURO 1988, the final that year was held in Munich’s Olympiastadion. This added a layer of prestige to the 2024 final, placing Berlin firmly in the annals of EURO history as a host city for the championship decider.
Key Facts and Records from EURO Finals
To further enrich your understanding of the EURO final’s significance, here are some interesting facts and records from past European Championship finals:
-
Referee: The referee for the EURO 2024 final was François Letexier from France, highlighting the international nature of the officiating in such a major tournament.
-
Most Successful Team: With their victory in Berlin, Spain solidified their position as the most successful nation in EURO history, clinching their fourth title. Germany follows closely, having featured in six finals overall.
-
Host Nation Advantage: While some host nations have tasted victory in EURO finals, including Spain (1964), Italy (1968), and France (1984), history also shows that home advantage isn’t always decisive. Portugal (2004), France (2016), and England (2020) all experienced the disappointment of losing the final on home soil. Germany, as hosts in 2024, were unfortunately eliminated in the quarter-finals.
-
Biggest Win: The largest margin of victory in a EURO final is Spain’s 4-0 triumph over Italy in the EURO 2012 final held in Kyiv.
-
Highest Scoring Final: Two EURO finals have witnessed four goals. Besides Spain’s 4-0 win in 2012, the 1976 final between West Germany and Czechoslovakia also ended with four goals (2-2 after extra time), with Czechoslovakia winning 5-3 in a penalty shootout.
-
Champions League and EURO Winners in the Same Summer: An exclusive club of players have achieved the remarkable feat of winning both the UEFA Champions League and the EURO final in the same summer. In 2024, Dani Carvajal, Nacho, and Joselu (Real Madrid & Spain) joined this elite list.
-
Multiple EURO Final Appearances: Thirty-one players have played 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 the record for the longest gap between final appearances (12 years).
-
Venues of EURO Finals: The EURO final has been hosted in 17 different venues across 12 countries up to 2024, showcasing the pan-European nature of the tournament.
Conclusion
The EURO 2024 final, held on July 14th at Olympiastadion Berlin, was a momentous occasion for football. Knowing when and where this final took place is just the starting point to appreciating the rich history and excitement surrounding the European Championship. From the iconic venue to the clash of footballing giants, the EURO 2024 final delivered a memorable chapter in the tournament’s legacy.
