Football’s coming home? Not if Spain has anything to say about it. The EURO 2024 final will see two of Europe’s most successful football nations face off to get their hands on the trophy.
Spain, winners in 1964, 2008, and 2012, are aiming for their fourth European Championship title. This would make them the most successful team in the tournament’s history, surpassing Germany’s three titles.
England, despite their football heritage, have only one major trophy to their name — the 1966 World Cup. Their appearance in the EURO 2020 final ended in heartbreak, but they’ve shown in this semifinal that they’ve learned from past experiences. Gareth Southgate, once vilified for his missed penalty in EURO ’96, now stands on the brink of redemption.
Both teams have overcome significant challenges to reach this point. Let’s examine the semifinal matches that brought us to this exciting final.
Spain 2-1 France: La Roja’s Perfect Run Continues
At the Allianz Arena, Spain overcame an early setback to maintain their flawless record in the tournament. Randal Kolo Muani gave France the lead in the 9th minute, with a precise header in the top corner after Mbappé’s cross. However, Spain’s response was swift and also made history.
Lamine Yamal, at just 16 years and 362 days old, wrote his name in the record books with a goal in the 21st minute. The Barcelona wonderkid cut inside from the right before unleashing a stunning strike, becoming the youngest goalscorer in a major tournament. This record was previously held by none other than Pelé, who scored for Brazil against Wales in the 1958 World Cup at 17 years and 239 days old.
Just four minutes later, Dani Olmo put Spain ahead. His shot took a slight deflection off Kounde, but it was already destined for the bottom corner. From there, Spain’s defence stood firm against France’s attempts to equalise.
This victory made Spain the first side to win six games in a single European Championship. If considering all major tournaments, this feat is only surpassed by Brazil’s seven victories at the 2002 World Cup.
For France, it’s a bitter pill to swallow. This marks their first elimination at the semifinal stage of a major tournament since EURO 1996. As they lick their wounds, Spain marches on, eyeing a record fourth European crown.
Netherlands 1-2 England: Surprise Goal Sends Three Lions to Final
If Spain’s victory was about sustained brilliance, England’s triumph at the BVB Stadion Dortmund was pure drama. Xavi Simons gave the Dutch a dream start with a goal in the 7th minute, firing into the top corner from range.
England’s response came quickly. Harry Kane scored a penalty in the 18th minute after Dumfries brought him down in the box. This was Kane’s sixth goal in EURO knockout stages – a new record. It was also his ninth goal in the knockout stages of major tournaments (both World Cup and EURO), the most of any European player.
As the match seemed to go for extra time, Gareth Southgate’s substitutions proved decisive. In the last minutes of the match, Harry Kane was replaced in attack by Ollie Watkins, who scored a beautiful goal in the bottom corner. Watkins’ winner at 89:59 was the latest winning goal ever scored in a major tournament semifinal (if we exclude extra time).
It was England’s only shot on target in the second half, but it was enough to send them to their second final in four years under Southgate. For the Dutch, it’s another case of what might have been.
Looking Ahead to the Final
Sunday’s final in Berlin promises to be a clash of contrasting styles. Spain, with their perfect record, faces an England side that has shown determination and the ability to score when it matters most.
Can Spain maintain their flawless run and secure a record fourth EURO title? Or will England finally bring football “home” after a 58-year wait? The answer awaits at the Berlin Olympiastadion on Sunday at 8 pm!
You can find all the odds for the EURO 2024 Semifinals here.