Julius OkorieMikel Oyarzabal’s late strike handed Spain a 2-1 win over England on Sunday night in the 2024 Euro Championship final, just as England wait for a trophy hit its 58th year.
Spain controlled possession and applied pressure which resulted in Nico Williams’ opener just two minutes after half-time following Lamine Yamal’s excellent run and pass. It was the perfect boost to losing Rodri to a half-time injury.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelBut after England captain Harry Kane was taken off following a disappointing display up front, Cole Palmer was the latest England hero off the bench as his superb strike levelled matters up. The Chelsea man rifled home Jude Bellingham’s lay off and it threatened a turning point in Berlin.
Extra-time was looming and England felt momentum hopeful but then Spain put the pressure back on. Jordan Pickford denied Lamine Yamal, afterwards named the young player of the tournament, with a superb stop.
It was one of two brilliant second half stops by England’s No 1, as he denied Spain’s 17-year-old star at 1-0
But then, eventually, came Spain’s moment. Marc Cucurella’s cross was turned home by Oyarzabal with four minutes of normal time remaining, leaving the Three Lions with little time to roar back.
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England thought they had levelled when Declan Rice met Palmer’s corner unmarked. Unai Simon parried it as far as Marc Guehi who nodded the ball towards the line, but Dani Olmo cleared it away. Rice put another rebound over.
It ended up being one comeback too many for England, as Spain became the first team to claim four European Championships. Recall that Spain also won the title in 1964, 2008 and 2012.
Not Yet Uhuru For Three Lions Of England
While Spain broke their record, England became the first team to lose consecutive European finals.
No penalty heartbreak this time, but this was similar to Italy three years ago. At least the King of England’s plea that the match should end within regulation time without dragging into uncomfortable extra time and penalties was heeded in a way unfortunately it was the Three Lions that were on the receiving end.
England men’s team has now lost back-to-back Euro finals and is still without a major title since winning the 1966 World Cup.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
