Euro24: Spain win 4th Euros title , England lose 1-2 & 2nd final in a row

 

Carlos Alcaraz said he had done his job after defeating Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the Wimbledon final on Sunday evening. Now, the spotlight is on the Spanish football team.  And so it happened, 1100 kilometers away from London, Spain triumphed over England in Berlin, Germany, to become the Euro champions once again. After 12 years, they have reclaimed their status as the best team in Europe, winning the Euro for the fourth time. England, on the other hand, suffered another defeat in the final, similar to their loss to Italy at home. This time, Spain shattered Harry Kane's dream of a Euro victory, leaving England still in pursuit of their first Euro title.

England had to quickly reset their defence formation under the pressure of Spain's relentless attacks, with four players in front of the goalkeeper and another four ahead of them. When Spain attacked, England pulled back eight men in defence, leaving only Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham up front.

From the start, Spain dominated possession, launching attacks from both wings with short passes. Williams and Cucurella on the left, and Dani Carvajal and Yamal on the right, spearheaded the offensive efforts. In the first 15 minutes, Williams entered the England box twice but failed to score. During this period, England was entirely on the defensive, with most of the action taking place in their half. Spain's attacks were orchestrated by Rodri and Fabian Ruiz.

England's first attempt came in the 15th minute when Kyle Walker advanced down the right wing, but it was ineffective. Nevertheless, England gradually gained a foothold in the game, with Bellingham seeing more of the ball. However, this momentum was short-lived as Spain resumed their attacks. England coach Gareth Southgate's defensive strategy saw Spain struggle to find passing lanes, as England crowded their defence to block the Spanish attacks. This strategy proved effective in the first half, and England had a promising opportunity just before the break. Phil Foden connected with a Declan Rice free kick, but Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon made a crucial save, ensuring both teams went into halftime goalless.

Spain's coach Luis de la Fuente made a crucial change at the start of the second half, substituting Rodri for Martin Zubimendi, which unsettled England's plans. Spain quickly capitalized, with Williams scoring just over a minute into the second half. Carvajal sent a precise ball to Yamal, who then passed to an unmarked Williams, whose left-footed shot beat England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. The young duo's efforts propelled Spain to the lead, with England's defence at fault for leaving Williams unmarked.

Spain's attacks intensified, creating several opportunities. In the 50th minute, Dani Olmo's shot narrowly missed the post, and in the 55th minute, captain Alvaro Morata squandered a clear chance. After weathering the initial onslaught, England attempted to counterattack. Southgate replaced Kane with semi-final hero Ollie Watkins after 60 minutes, as Kane had been largely ineffective. Bellingham had a good shot from outside the box in the 63rd minute but failed to hit the target.

Despite their lead, Spain continued to press forward, wary of becoming too defensive. In the 67th minute, Yamal nearly scored again, but Pickford made a vital save. Both teams sought to score, with England aiming to equalize and Spain looking to extend their lead. This open play led to more chances, and England eventually equalized in the 73rd minute. Substitute Cole Palmer, who came on in the 70th minute, scored from a Bellingham assist, bringing relief to England fans. 

As the game progressed, Spain went ahead again in the 86th minute when substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scored. Cucurella delivered a cross, and Oyarzabal beat the defender to the ball, scoring past Pickford. England made several attempts to respond, but Dani Olmo's goal-line clearance in the dying moments ensured Spain held on to their lead. England, once again, left the field in disappointment, having lost another final.