Spain beat England 2-1, crowned Euro 2024 champions: Key stats
Spain beat England 2-1 to win the 2024 edition of the UEFA European Championship at Olympiastadion Berlin. After a goalless first half, it was Nico Williams, who scored early in the second half after some brilliant work by Lamine Yamal. Spain threatened to score more before Cole Palmer made it 1-1. Mikel Oyarzabal scored the winner in the 86th minute. Here are the details.
Spain the more settled side early on
Spain dictated the tempo early on in the match, keeping England pegged back and dominating the ball. However, Spain couldn't quite get near to England's goal. John Stones defended well and dealt with Williams' cross early on for a corner. A sliding tackle against Williams, who was up one on one in the box, was the highlight thereafter.
England grow into the game
England grew into the game nicely and played well. However, they lacked the finesse with the decision-making in the final third. There were a few promising moments with Luke Shaw making his presence felt. However, Phil Foden got away with an error in the 24th minute after Rodri put him under pressure. Harry Kane received a yellow card moments later.
Great defending from England ahead of half-time
In the 42nd minute, England were really cut apart for the first time as Stones was caught on his heels when Aymeric Laporte played a slide-rule pass in behind for strike Alvaro Morata. Marc Guehi spotted the run before Stones came in to clear.
Williams' goal stuns England
England fell behind 69 seconds since the restart. Dani Carvajal's lovely first-time ball found Yamal, who cut inside with England three-on-three at the back. It was Williams, who collected Yamal's ball before beating Jordan Pickford with a fine finish. Moments later, Dani Olmo almost made it 2-0 but he scuffed his shot wide. England were left stunned as they failed to dictate the play.
Yamal makes record with joint-most assists in an edition
Yamal registered his fourth assist in the 2024 edition of European Championship. As per Opta, Yamal now owns the joint-most assists in an edition of the Euros. The likes of Switzerland's Steven Zuber (Euro 2020), Wales' Aaron Ramsey (Euro 2016), Belgium's Eden Hazard (Euro 2016) and Serbia's Ljubinko Drulovic (Euro 2000) clocked four assists in an edition.
Euro 2024: Williams scores his 2nd goal
Williams scored his second goal at 2024 Euro. He also owns an assist. The Athletic Bilbao youngster now owns four goals for Spain in 20 appearances across all competitions.
A flurry of chances for Spain
In the 55th minute, Yamal dropped deep and played a lovely ball down the outside of Guehi. Alvaro Morata beat Pickford who was quickly off his line, but Stones slid in to make a superb clearance. A minute later, Williams shot just wide. In the 64th minute, Jude Bellingham came close to an equalizer before Yamal drew out a fine save from Pickford.
Palmer equalizes for England
In the 73rd minute, substitute Palmer scored a fine goal from Bellingham's assist. Credit to Bukayo Saka who burst down the right, drawing two Spanish players before laying the ball for Bellingham. A first-time placed shot from Palmer levelled the proceedings.
Palmer makes these records
As per Opta, Palmer became the first substitute to score an equalizing goal in a European Championship final since Sylvain Wiltord at Euro 2000 for France, who then went on to win 2-1. As per Squawka, Palmer became the youngest ever substitute to score in a men's Euro final at 22 years and 69 days old.
Pickford comes to England's rescue
In the 82nd minute, Yamal tested Pickford, who made a stunning save with two hands. It was Williams, who picked out the 17-year-old youngster.
Oyarzabal scores for Spain
Spain substitute Oyarzabal hooked the ball out left to Marc Cucurella, who beat Kyle Walker with a lovely diagonal ball into the box. Oyarzabal stretched ahead of Stones, having timed his run to perfection and put the ball in behind.
England could have gone level late on
England should have gone level late on but Spain survived by inches. Shaw's corner is nodded goalwards by Declan Rice and clawed away by Unai Simon with a super stop. Guehi turned the rebound goalwards as Dani Olmo nodded it out. Rice had another go from a third header which he could't keep down.
Spain managed a 100% win record
Spain finished with a 100% win record in this year's edition. Spain topped their group and came out unscathed, posting three wins and three clean sheets. Spain hammered Georgia 4-1 in the round of 16 before taking down hosts Germany (extra-time) and heavyweights France by 2-1 margins in the quarters and semis respectively. Spain managed to score 15 goals in addition to conceding four.
This was Spain's fourth European Championship honor
Spain have won each of their last four major tournament finals - Euro 2008, Euro 2012, FIFA World Cup 2010 and Euro 2024. This was Spain's fourth European Championship honor (1964, 2008, 2012, 2024). They are the team with most Euro honors, having steered clear of Germany (3). Meanwhile, England have become the first nation in UEFA European Championship history to lose consecutive finals.
Here are the match stats
Spain had 1.77 expected goals compared to 0.55 of England. The Spaniards managed six shots on target from 16 attempts. England had four shots on target from nine attempts. Spain had 30 touches in the opposition box to England's 16.
