Spanish flags fluttered over German soil and fireworks lit up the Berlin skies after Spain defeated England and became the European champions for the fourth time in this tournament’s history.
The theatrics that the final pulled off are worth watching or reading about over and over again. So, even if you have or haven’t watched the match, here’s a quick review consisting of all the crucial highlights so you can relive and enjoy the epic showdown that created history!
A Goalless First Half
The Olympiastadion, Berlin was packed with footballing superstars on the night of July 14 when the final was set to begin. The match began with Spain controlling possession with 83%, while England maintained a cautious approach in the first 10 minutes. But then, things started to boil up with fouls, free kicks and a yellow card to the English Captain Harry Kane.
Even though the men in red kept putting pressure throughout the first half, England’s defence stood its ground, refusing to let the ball hit the net. As the battle grew intense, Dani Olmo’s foul against Declan Rice earned him a yellow card. However, despite Spain’s attempts to score, the first half remained goalless as the players trudged off the football pitch after the half-time whistle.
Spain Become Euro Champions
The second half began with Rodri being substituted due to an injury boosting the chances for England to seize possession and start attacking. However, Yamal cut inside England’s side and gracefully curled the ball to Nico Williams who was open on the far side. The audience gasped as Williams’ ball evaded Pickford and hit the far corner of the goal in the 47th minute.
After the thunderous first goal, Spain kept the pressure alive with another attack from Williams that went wide. After Kane was substituted with Watkins, England got a golden chance when Saka laid a perfect pass to Bellingham, who swiftly turned and attempted a powerful attack against Spain. However, it missed the target, to the disappointment of English fans.
As the game progressed, Morata was substituted with Oyarzabal and Palmer came on to replace Mainoo. This substitution by England was highly crucial as the Three Lions breached the Spanish defence by scoring an equaliser. This brilliant play in the 73rd minute was pulled off by an assist from Bellingham to Palmer who unhesitatingly displayed a genius strike by putting the ball in the lower left corner of the Spanish goal.
Both sides were fueled with passion after this surprising equaliser and wonderkid Yamal made another attempt for a goal, but Pickford was right there to make a strong save for England. Le Normand got subbed with Nacho in the 83rd minute and just 3 minutes after, La Furia Roja scored another goal. With an efficient assist from Cucurella, substitute Oyarzabal was able to put the ball past Pickford, and score the decisive goal.
As the match continued, Foden was replaced with Toney and Merino replaced Yamal. Right in the 90th minute, England got another golden opportunity when Palmer delivered a corner. Rice connected with a perfect header that seemed destined for a goal, but Simon reacted swiftly.
However, as Simon pushed the ball away, Guehi’s follow-up strike could’ve turned into an equaliser. But with a clearance by Olmo and Rice’s failed attempt that went over the bar, the Spanish were still in the lead.
After a consistently exceptional performance in the whole of Euros, the final trophy went to Spain, and they emerged as Reyes de Europa (Kings of Europe) for the fourth time in the history of the Euros. Yamal was awarded Young Player of the Tournament, while Rodri clinched the Player of the Tournament award. The Spanish euphoria echoed through Berlin, as this thrill-jerking tournament finally came to an end.