Spain
clinched a record fourth European Championship title on Sunday night, with
Mikel Oyarzabal's 86th-minute goal securing a 2-1 victory over England, whose
long wait for a major trophy continues. Oyarzabal capitalized on Marc
Cucurella's cross, just as the match at Berlin’s Olympiastadion seemed headed
for extra time, following another resilient performance by England.
Substitute
Cole Palmer had equalized for England in the 73rd minute, countering Nico
Williams’ opener in the 47th, set up by 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal.
Spain, having previously won the title in 1964, 2008, and 2012, celebrated
their latest triumph with Oyarzabal stating, "I did my job and was lucky
enough to score the winning goal. Helping the team is what matters most."
England,
now with back-to-back Euro final losses, remains without a major title since
the 1966 World Cup. The defeat, witnessed by Prince William and Spain’s King Felipe,
added to the agony of one of the world’s most underperforming national teams.
Prince William expressed pride in the team despite the loss, writing on social
media, "This time it just wasn’t meant to be. We’re all still so proud of
you."
Spanish
players celebrated joyously after the final whistle, with Williams overwhelmed
by the moment before being embraced by his teammates. Dani Carvajal collapsed
on the field, buried under jubilant teammates. Yamal, Marc Cucurella, and Dani
Olmo were among the first to leap over advertising hoardings to join the
Spanish fans.
Yamal
and Williams, key figures in Spain’s multicultural team, combined for the first
goal, reflecting the new reality in Spain. Yamal’s mother is from Equatorial
Guinea and his father from Morocco, while Williams' Ghanaian parents made a
perilous journey to Europe for a better life. "Euphoria! We are so happy.
We deserved this," said Williams, named player of the match.
Unlike
his brother Inaki, who plays for Ghana, Nico Williams chose Spain and is now a
national hero. Oyarzabal and the rest of the Spain team, having won all seven
of their matches in the tournament and defeated Germany, France, and England in
the knockout stages, are celebrated for their remarkable achievement.
Spain
has reestablished itself as a dominant force in football, having won the
Women’s World Cup and the men’s UEFA Nations League in 2023. Since 2001,
Spanish men’s teams have triumphed in 23 consecutive major finals in both club
and international competitions.
Post a Comment