On Sunday, the Spanish national football team beat the English team in the final of the 2024 European Championship and became the record holder for the most victories at the Old World Championship. Sports — about the dramatic events in Berlin and the reaction of the sports world to the historical triumph of the Furia Roja.
Euro 202414 July 2024 • starts at 22:00Finished
EnglandEngland
47' • Nico Williams (Lamin Yamal)
86' • Mikel Oyarzabal (Mark Cucurella)
73' • Col Palmer (Jude Bellingham)
The tournament in Germany left a mixed impression: the start was impressive, and then – endless closed football and few goals. The final at the Olympic Stadium was also divided into two parts. Before the break – only one shot on target, after – a real extravaganza with three goals scored, amazing goalkeeper saves and the culmination in the 86th minute, when Mikel Oyarzabal scored what turned out to be the «golden goal» of the German Euro.
The main results of the tournament:
- Spain took the fourth European Cup and became the absolute leader in the number of victories in the tournament. Left behind is Germany (3);
- Furia Roja won three of the last five European Championships (2008, 2012, 2024);
- The Spaniards collected all individual awards except the Golden Boot. Nico Williams became the best player of the final, 17-year-old Lamin Yamal — the best young footballer, and Rodri — the best player of Euro 2024;
- But the top scorers of the tournament were six players, who scored three goals each. These are the Dutchman Cody Gakpo, the Englishman Harry Kane, the Georgian Georges Mikautadze, the German Jamal Musiala, the Spaniard Dani Olmo and the Slovakian Ivan Schranz;
- England lost the second Euro final in a row and never made it win the first Euro trophy;
- The trophy-free streak of the founders of football has been going on for 60 years.
The head coach of the Spanish national team, Luis de la Fuente, who will take over the team at the end of 2022, cannot be happier with his players:
“»I couldn’t be happier than now. We are a real team, European champions. Every day I am more and more I'm more proud of them. Thanks for the support from all over Spain. They are the best in the world. I said it before and I stand by my opinion and we can always improve.» (UEFA)
Gareth Southgate, once again one step away from the Euro trophy, accepted defeat with dignity. The specialist, who became the first coach to lose two European Championship finals, paid tribute to the winners and noted the strengths of Spain:
«We fought until the end, we didn't have enough possession today. They pressed really well and we had to get out of that pressure and we couldn't do that. They have more control of the game and that could have worn us out a little bit.» However, when we equalized we were still there, the game was still open. As always in these games, the difference was small, but they were the best team in the tournament, they deserved it.» (Sky Sports)
Ruthless Spain punished boring England: all about the Euro 202 final4 July 14, 19:00
Poor Harry Kane… The England captain is still without trophies, he lost the sixth (!) final in his career. This is what the best striker in the history of his national team wrote on social networks:
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"We are very disappointed that we couldn't achieve what we worked so hard for. It was a long and difficult tournament and I am very proud of the team reaching the final. Ultimately we didn't reach our goal and we have to live with it. But as always, we will rise, dust ourselves off and be ready to fight again in an England shirt. Thanks to all the fans who believed in us and supported us until the very end.”
The Spaniards are rejoicing. Rodri, after the award ceremony, stated that he and his partners had made history:
«»This is the most difficult tournament that the team has won in its history. Without a doubt. We worked on this for a long time, and that is why when the coach spoke about it, you could tell that he knew it. I ask people to take to the streets tomorrow and to show that they were with us.» (Mundo Deportivo)
The young star Yamal, who broke several Euro and major international tournament records, also did not hide his emotions:
«I really want to go back to Spain and celebrate this event with all the fans. I want to go to my family now to celebrate this event. I am very happy and I feel very comfortable with my teammates.»
England's top officials are sympathizing with the team, which lost its second final in a row. King Charles III addressed the team with support:
«Even though victory has eluded you, my entire family and I urge you to hold your head high. Remember that reaching the European Championship final is a great achievement in itself. It brings with it the pride of a nation that will continue to root for «Three Lions today and with many triumphant victories that undoubtedly await you ahead.» (BBC)
According to English fans, Southgate was the main culprit for the team's failures. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher spoke out in defense of the coach. The Reds legend is sure that the players are more to blame for the failure:
«»Sven-Göran Eriksson played in a 4-4-2 formation, Capello is too strict, Southgate is too focused on defense… It's funny how it's always the coach's fault, yes? The fact is that our top players did not show themselves at the tournament. As in previous years, national football is about the players. Our players froze in the first half, they did not ask for the ball, and the goalkeeper simply kicked forward.» >Another legend of English football, Alan Shearer, believes that Southgate may not recover from such a defeat and will not discuss continued cooperation with the national team:
“»I suspect that this match could be the last for Southgate. Yes, we could have played a more beautiful game football, more attacking, but England still got to the final. When you get that close, you have to cross the line. Under Southgate, we reached the Euro final twice, but we didn't win it, and it will hurt him. «Perhaps Gareth will think it's time for someone else.» (Daily Mail)
While the mood in the English camp is at zero, in Spain they continue to have fun. The award for the funniest comment after the championship goes to Spanish defender Marc Cucurella, who did not miss the chance to poke fun at ex-Manchester United defender Gary Neville. Before the Euro, the Englishman said that Cucurella could be one of the reasons why Spain will not be able to “go to the end” at the Euro.
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"We have gone to the end, Gary. Thank you for your support.»