Champions of Europe once again.
Spain defeated England 2-1 on Sunday in Berlin to claim the European Championship. The result was its fourth tournament victory, breaking a tie with Germany for the most in history.
The difference-making goal came in the 86th minute as Mikel Oyarzabal tapped home a cross into the box from Marc Cucurella. England had a chance to equalize minutes later on close headers by Declan Rice and Marc Guehi, but both were blocked.
Spain controlled most of the first half but failed to break through. That changed almost immediately into the second.
Just two minutes after halftime, Spanish forward Lamine Yamal received the ball on the right flank. He attacked the middle of the field and led a perfect pass to Nico Williams streaking up the left side of the penalty box. Williams one-timed the shot into the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.
England evened the score in the 73rd minute. Bukayo Saka, moving down the right side, found Jude Bellingham in the middle of the penalty box. Bellingham passed the ball back just outside the box to a streaking Cole Palmer, who drilled a long-range shot into the back of the net for the equalizer.
But in the end, it wasn’t enough.
"I’m euphoric. I’m really happy. We deserved it,” Williams said after the game. “Our parents, the fans, everyone who has been supporting us every day. And here we are, European champions. I’m so happy and wish we can keep going and go for the World Cup."
Sunday’s result is the culmination of an incredible tournament for Spain. It was undefeated in seven games with 15 goals while surrendering only four. It was also a coming-out party for breakout star Yamal, a 17-year-old forward who became the youngest player ever to score at a Euros with his screamer against France in the semifinals.
“He’s a fantastic player,” England captain Harry Kane said last week. “At 17 years old, to do this in a tournament like this says a lot about him. You can see he plays without fear, with freedom, enjoying himself. He’s going to be one of the most difficult players in the match. I want to congratulate him on what he’s done so far.”
England once again fell short of winning its first European Championship and its first major trophy since it won the World Cup in 1966. Gareth Southgate’s team finished as runners-up in the Covid-delayed 2020 tournament in 2021, losing to Italy on penalty kicks.
