Spain vs England
Watch Spain vs England full match replay and highlights.
KICK-OFF at 19:00 (GMT) on 14th July 2024
The referee for this match is F. Letexier
Game played at Olympiastadion Berlin
This is a match in Europe – UEFA Euro, Final, Season 2024
Spain Secures Record Fourth UEFA European Championship Title with 2-1 Victory Over England
Spain cemented their status as the most successful team in UEFA European Championship history by claiming their fourth title with a 2-1 win over England in the final of the 2024 edition at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
Tactical Surprises and Initial Stalemate
Gareth Southgate, often critiqued for his tactical rigidity, surprised many by reverting to a defensive four, with Luke Shaw making his first competitive start since February. This tactical adjustment aimed to counter Spain’s dynamic wing play. Despite Spain’s early dominance, clear chances were sparse as England’s full-backs successfully neutralized threats from Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
First Half: Tight and Tense
The first half saw a tightly contested battle with few opportunities. The first significant chance came in stoppage time when Phil Foden’s volley from a free-kick was saved by Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simón. The half ended goalless, with both teams showing resilience and strategic discipline.
Second Half: Spain Takes the Lead
Spain, undeterred by the forced substitution of midfielder Rodri, came out strong in the second half. Within 70 seconds, Yamal exploited a brief lapse by Shaw to set up Williams, who slid the ball into the bottom corner, giving Spain the lead. England, accustomed to trailing in this tournament, appeared momentarily stunned.
England’s Resilient Response
England’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made several crucial saves to keep his team in contention. His efforts were rewarded when substitute Cole Palmer, just three minutes after coming on, equalized with a precise strike from the edge of the box, assisted by Jude Bellingham. This equalizer injected new life into the English side as the match approached its final stages.
Decisive Moments: Spain’s Winning Goal
Despite England’s newfound momentum, Spain struck again. After another pivotal save by Pickford, a well-executed move culminated in Mikel Oyarzabal scoring the decisive goal, expertly set up by Marc Cucurella’s pinpoint cross. This goal proved insurmountable for England, as Spain’s defense held firm against late English attempts.
Conclusion: Spain’s Historic Triumph
Spain’s tactical prowess and timely substitutions by coach Luis de la Fuente were crucial in securing their victory. By winning their fifth out of six major finals, Spain further solidified their legendary status. For England, this defeat marks their second consecutive loss in a European Championship final, highlighting the ongoing challenges in converting opportunities into triumphs at the highest level.