Related Post
La Roja were the huge favourites against the Three Lions and they did not disappoint as goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal were enough to make Spain the most successful nation in the history of the Euros.
Spain dominated proceedings in the first half but failed to create clear-cut chances against an English side that remained compact and hard to break down.
Luck appeared to desert Spain when key midfielder Rodri suffered an injury in the first minute of the second half and had to be replaced by Martín Zubimendi.
However, La Roja forged their own fortune a few seconds later when youngster Lamine Yamal carved open England’s defence for Nico Williams to slam home the opening goal.
At kick-off, Yamal had reached unprecedented heights, becoming the youngest male footballer to play in a major international tournament final. Aged only 17 years and 1 day, he surpassed Pele who was 17 years and 249 days at the 1958 World Cup final.
And with his assist for Nico Williams, Yamal stood out as the top playmaker in Euro 2024 with four assists.
England looked outwitted, outthought, and outfoxed until the 73rd minute when seemingly out of nowhere the Three Lions conjured up an unlikely equaliser. Bukayo Saka found space on the right wing and passed to Jude Bellingham who laid the ball off, under pressure, to substitute Cole Palmer. The Chelsea forward made the difficult job of passing the ball into the net from distance look easy.
Spain were stunned by that equaliser but La Roja quickly regrouped and when it appeared like the game was headed for extra time, they struck the decisive blow.
Cucurella sent a low ball into the danger area for Oyarzabal to connect with and send past Pickford in England’s goal. There was little time for England to respond as Spain became the champions of Europe for the fourth time.
