The Euro 2024 championship draws to a close Sunday evening with Spain facing England at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin,
Under the leadership of relatively unknown national coach Luis de la Fuente, Spain has been the tournament’s standout performer after a series of convincing victories over tough opponents.
The team secured the maximum number of points in the group stage and emerged victorious from the Group of Death, which included reigning champions Italy and Croatia. Their opening game saw a 3-0 win against Croatia, then Italy was defeated through an own goal from Calafiori (0-1), while a 0-1 victory over Albania completed the group stage victories.
In the knockout stages, Spain turned an early 0-1 disadvantage against Georgia into a commanding 4-1 win and managed to send host country Germany packing with a 2-1 win after extra time. Another 2-1 win sent the World Cup runners-up France home after an impressive first half.
Key players Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, known for their lightning-speed flanks, will once again pose a threat in the finals. Yamal, who turned 17 on Saturday, scored a stunning equaliser to become the competition's youngest-ever scorer.
Even with injury-stricken Pedri being replaced by top scorer Dani Olmo, there’s no weak link in Spain’s central midfield. Spain will also see the return of right-back Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand in their defence.
This will be Spain’s fifth EU final. With three wins to their name (1964, 2008, and 2012), they have a strong track record. They also clinched the 2010 World Cup victory in South Africa, becoming the first country to ever win three major consecutive tournaments. The last time they won a major tournament was twelve years ago, not counting last year’s Nations League victory.
Is it finally coming home?
England, despite its prominence in Premier League football, has only claimed the 1966 World Cup title. This victory was secured on home soil. The country made its first Euros final appearance three years ago in London but were beaten by Italy on penalties. The championship in Berlin means the dynasty’s second consecutive Euros final and also its first final played outside of England.
The tournament, under the guidance of national coach Gareth Southgate, has not been as smooth for England, who managed only two victories within the 90-minute regulation time, the first against Serbia thanks to a goal from Jude Bellingham. This was followed by less thrilling draws against Denmark (1-1) and Slovenia (0-0).
In the knock-outs, the Three Lions scraped past Slovakia 2-1 in the last 16 after extra time, and needed penalties to best Switzerland in the quarter finals. A dramatic late goal from substitute Ollie Watkins in the semi-finals against Netherlands sealed their place in the finals with a 2-1 win.
The English team recognises the challenges ahead: "Spain has been the best team in the tournament, and we also have one less day to prepare for the finals," Southgate noted, "So, we have a tremendous task ahead of us."
