By Berlin, Germany, July 2024 – Spain won a record fourth European Championship title on Sunday after Mikel Oyarzabal’s 87th-minute goal clinched a 2-1 victory over England, whose painful decades-long wait for a major trophy goes on.
Oyarzabal slid in to poke home Marc Cucurella’s cross, just when the game at Berlin’s Olympiastadion seemed destined for extra time after the latest show of resilience by England at the tournament.
Substitute Cole Palmer equalized for England in the 73rd minute to cancel out Nico Williams’ opener in the 47th from 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal’s pass.
Spain also won the title in 1964, 2008, and 2012.
As the final whistle blew, the referee concluded the tournament, and Spain’s players celebrated their historic win. Spain’s fans rejoiced as their team captured a record fourth European title, defeating England in a hard-fought match.
England’s Marc Guehi had a late chance to equalize with a free-kick in the middle of the pitch. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford sent the ball forward, and Cucurella won a free-kick on the right side of the box. However, the effort was in vain as the Spanish defense held firm. Ollie Watkins received a yellow card for a foul on Nacho in the dying moments.
The match saw four minutes of added time, during which Spain’s defense, led by the experienced Cesar Azpilicueta, thwarted England’s final attacks. A corner for England in added time was cleared, sealing Spain’s victory.
Spain’s triumph in Euro 2024 adds to their previous European Championship titles, cementing their status as one of the continent’s most successful footballing nations. The victory also marks a significant achievement for the team, showcasing their resilience and skill throughout the tournament.
