Euro 2024: Spain strike late to beat England in final, claim record fourth crown
- All three goals come in the second half with substitute Mikel Oyarzabal sliding in the winner
Spain lived up to their top billing as they defeated England 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final on Sunday to claim a record fourth continental title and extend England’s 58-year big trophy drought by at least another two years.
Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal slid into Marc Cucurella’s low cross to fire an 86th-minute winner after their 47th-minute opener from Nico Williams was cancelled out by English sub Cole Palmer in the 73rd.
Man of the Match Williams’ goal was superbly set up by Lamine Yamal who the day after his 17th birthday became the youngest player in a Euro final.
The goal ignited Spain after a cagey first half, even though influential playmaker Rodri did not return from the break – before being named Player of the Tournament in the end.
Substitute Palmer drilled England’s equaliser into the bottom left corner shortly after replacing Kobbie Mainoo.
But Oyarzabal sealed it for Spain in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium under the eyes of Spain King Felipe VI, who then joined the players on the pitch on a glorious day for the nation, a few hours after Carlos Alcaraz won back-to-back Wimbledon tennis titles.
