EURO 2024 Roundup, Matchday 22
Here is a recap of the EURO 2024 final, which is focusing on the results and some notable performances by players.
Spain 2-1 England
Spain won the UEFA European Championship for the fourth time by defeating England 2-1 in the final held at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Spain dominated the early stages of the game, but England’s full-backs effectively neutralized Spain’s attacking duo of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams in the first half.
The game’s first shot on target came during stoppage time of the first half. The opportunity came for England, as Phil Foden quickly responded to a deflection from a free-kick and volleyed towards the near post, where Unai Simón made an easy save. The game was evenly balanced at halftime, but Spain faced a setback as midfielder Rodri had to get substituted before the second half began.
Unfazed by their best midfielder getting subbed off, La Roja quickly took the lead after just 70 seconds of play in the second half. Yamal managed to create some space from Shaw and passed to Williams, who skillfully scored at the back post by sliding the ball into the bottom corner past Jordan Pickford.
England seemed stunned, and Spain almost increased their tally by Dani Olmo and Álvaro Morata, who missed the target despite being in good positions. Yamal came close to scoring, but Pickford made a crucial save to keep England in the match. Pickford’s save proved vital when Cole Palmer, who had just entered the game, scored a beautiful equalizer from the edge of the box after a pass from Jude Bellingham.
Once again, a substitute rescued England, giving them momentum as the game reached its final 15 minutes. However, the tide turned once more, and despite a great save from Pickford to stop Yamal, the Spaniards regained their lead. This time with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring from close range after a precise cross from Marc Cucurella. This goal proved decisive as Spain’s defense successfully thwarted three headed chances from John Stones, Marc Guéhi, and Declan Rice to secure their fourth European title. Spain has now won five out of six major finals, a feat England can only aspire to as they suffer defeat in their second consecutive Euros final.
