Spain Clinches Fourth Euro Title with Late Goal Against England

Spain thwarted England's aspirations of ending a 58-year trophy drought when Mikel Oyarzabal scored late to secure a 2-1 victory in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday. The win marked Spain's record fourth European championship.

The match saw goals from Nico Williams and Cole Palmer in the second half before Oyarzabal's decisive strike in the 86th minute. This victory secured Spain's first continental title since 2012, extending England's wait for another major men's trophy.

Spain's performance throughout Euro 2024 was dominant, with the team remaining unbeaten and defeating Croatia, Italy, Germany, and France before Sunday's final. Spain also set a new European championship record for most goals scored by a team, with 15.

"I did my job, what I had to do at every moment," Oyarzabal told reporters, according to Agence France-Presse. "I was lucky enough to score the winner. You value it a lot. And if you're lucky enough to score the goal ... it's the best."

England became the first team to lose back-to-back Euro finals, having previously fallen to Italy on penalties in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley Stadium three years ago.

"Losing in a final is as tough as it gets," England captain Harry Kane said. "We did really well to get back in the game at 1-1, and then we couldn't use our momentum to push on. ... It's as painful as it can be in a football match."

Spain started the game as the superior team, dominating possession and creating the best chances in the first 20 minutes. Both sides had opportunities to score as the opening half progressed but remained cautious.

Spain overcame the adversity of losing midfield talisman Rodri, who was substituted at halftime due to an apparent leg injury. La Roja took the lead almost immediately after the break when Lamine Yamal connected with Nico Williams to score in the 47th minute. Williams beat Jordan Pickford with a shot into the far corner of the goal.

England's Harry Kane was also removed from the contest, replaced by semifinal hero Ollie Watkins. Palmer brought England level three minutes after coming on as a substitute with a composed strike with less than 20 minutes to play.

The match seemed destined for extra time until Oyarzabal, who replaced captain Alvaro Morata, redirected Marc Cucurella's low cross to score from close range in the 86th minute. England had one last chance to equalize, but Dani Olmo's goal-line clearance stopped Declan Rice's 90th-minute header from a corner kick.

Rodri was named Player of the Tournament, and Yamal was honored as the best young player, a day after his 17th birthday.

England manager Gareth Southgate, whose contract ends this year, did not address his future after the game.

"I don't think now is a good time to make a decision like that," he said, according to The Guardian. "I'm going to talk to the right people and, yeah, it's just not for now."