Spain won a record fourth European Championship title on Sunday evening after Mikel Oyarzabal’s 87th-minute goal clinched a 2-1 victory over England, whose painful decades-long wait for a major trophy goes on.
Oyarzabal slid in to poke home Marc Cucurella’s cross, just when the game at Berlin’s Olympiastadion seemed destined for extra time after the latest show of resilience by England at the tournament.
Substitute Cole Palmer equalized for England in the 73rd minute to cancel out Nico Williams’ opener in the 47th from 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal’s pass.
Spain also won the title in 1964, 2008 and 2012.
Spain named an unchanged team for the match at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany while England handed defender Luke Shaw his first start since February.
Spain have won all six of their matches at the tournament – a first by any side in the competition’s injury.
England have recovered from a number of stumbles to produce their most effective performance in the semifinal win against the Netherlands.
Tit-Beats
‘For me, they are the best in the world’
Winning Spain coach, Luis de la Fuente, shared his thoughts as well: “I couldn’t be happier. To see the fans, to see the players. A real team, European champions.
“I said I was proud and today I am even prouder,” he said.
“It confirms what we are. For me, they are the best in the world and today I confirm that definition.”
Southgate
‘It is fine margins but Spain were the best team in the tournament’
Southgate, who’s future with the England team has been a topic of great contemplation, had this to say post-match: “We’ve competed until the very end of the final.
“Today we didn’t keep possession quite well enough, especially when we defended well.
They pressed us well and we had to get out of it, which meant they had the best of the game.
“It is fine margins but Spain were the best team in the tournament and they deserve it.
“There is a disadvantage to having a day less to prepare, but we were in the game up to 80 minutes.
“Physically it’s been a tough period for Harry.
“He was short of games and didn’t get up to speed. Ollie’s freshness allowed us to pressure more and it did.”
Young Player Award
Lamine Yamal wins Young Player of the Tournament
The Barcelona forward is named the Young Player of the Tournament.
Williams named Player of the Match
Rodri named Player of the Tournament
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