Euro 2024, hosted in Germany, finished with a brilliant display of football that highlighted the ability and dedication of Europe’s best 32 teams. The tournament was full of dramatic moments, from last-minute goals and exhilarating comebacks to heartbreaking penalty shootout losses and surprise shocks. Fans watched incredible performances, including underdogs defeating the odds and seasoned veterans demonstrating their unparalleled skill on the field.
The final game of this thrilling campaign saw Spain emerge as the ultimate winners, defending their place in European football history. The Euro 2024 final was a celebration of the beautiful game, leaving supporters excited for the next tournament.
Euro 2024 Drama: Upsets, Heartbreaks, and Last-Minute Heroics
Italy Dethroned: Switzerland’s Stunning Round of 16 Victory
In a shocking turn of events, Switzerland knocked out the defending champions, Italy, in the Round of 16. The Swiss team displayed exceptional resilience and tactical brilliance, outmaneuvering the Italians and advancing to the next stage, much to the delight of their fans, but fell short to England in the semifinals.
Germany’s Heartbreak: Quarter-Final Exit
Host nation Germany faced a formidable challenge in the quarterfinals, ultimately succumbing to Spain in a hard-fought encounter. Despite enjoying their home advantage and putting up a brave fight, Germany couldn’t prevail over the Spanish side. After a 1-1 deadlock in regular time, substitute Mikel Merino scored a dramatic winner in the 119th minute of extra time, sending Spain into the finals and causing heartbreak to maestro Toni Kroos, who played his last match for Germany.
French Resolve: Overcoming Portugal in Penalty Drama
Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey in Euro 2024 came to a dramatic end as Portugal faced France in the quarterfinals. The match was a tense affair, culminating in a penalty shootout where France emerged victorious and took revenge for their Euro 2016 final loss, marking a poignant farewell for Ronaldo in what could be his final European Championship appearance.
England’s Heroes: Palmer and Watkins Shine in Semifinals
Substitute Ollie Watkins became the hero for England in the semi-finals with a dramatic 90th-minute winner against the Netherlands. Gareth Southgate, who has now left his role as manager of the England football team, made two brilliant substitutions: Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer. Palmer set up the goal, and Watkins delivered the crucial winner, sending England to the Euro 2024 final.
Final Showdown: Spain’s Tactical Brilliance Seals Victory
England played Spain in the Euro 2024 final in a much-awaited contest at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, their second straight participation in the championship final after Euro 2021 which they lost to Italy at Wembely.
Spain, aiming to recapture their Euro glory after their last triumph in 2012, brought a formidable challenge to the contest. The historic stadium, which hosted the 2006 World Cup final, set the stage for a clash of football titans as both teams vied for the prestigious European title.
Throughout the tournament, young talents like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams showcased their skills for Spain, adding depth and energy to the squad’s performance. Meanwhile, England’s campaign was boosted by impactful contributions from super subs like Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer, who consistently turned matches around with crucial goals and assists.
The first half of the Euro 2024 final between England and Spain remained tightly contested, ending with a scoreless deadlock as both teams created opportunities but failed to find the back of the net. As the second half commenced, the match unfolded with the intensity expected of a final clash.
Early into the half, Spain broke the deadlock in the Euro 2024 final with a swift attack: Nico Williams found the net with a perfect finish, courtesy of an assist from Lamine Yamal. The goal energized the Spanish side and shifted momentum in their favor, setting the stage for a gripping second half as they aimed to secure the European title once again.
England mounted a strong response in the Euro 2024 final when substitute Cole Palmer leveled the score in the 73rd minute with a stunning first-time strike from outside the box, assisted superbly by Jude Bellingham. Palmer’s goal not only brought parity to the match but also revitalized England’s aspirations, swinging momentum in their favor once more.
In a thrilling climax to the Euro 2024 final between Spain and England, substitute Mike Oyrabazal etched his name into Spanish football history by scoring the match-winning goal in the 86th minute, a moment of immense significance for La Roja. The decisive goal came after Oyrabazal replaced Captain Alvaro Morata in the front line, injecting fresh energy and determination into Spain’s attack. Assisted by the dynamic Cucurella, Oyrabazal’s strike not only broke the deadlock but also cleared the way to win their fourth European Championship.
The match was not without its drama, especially as VAR reviewed Oyrabazal’s goal for potential offside. However, after careful scrutiny, the goal stood, sending the Spanish fans into euphoria and ensuring that Oyrabazal’s heroics in Euro 2024 final would be remembered for years to come.
But England launched a persistent attack in pursuit of an equaliser, pushing Spain to their limits until the last whistle. Their determined effort nearly paid off in the dying moments when goalkeeper Unai Simon made a crucial save from Declan Rice’s initial attempt, only for Dani Olmo to heroically clear Marc Guéhi’s follow-up effort off the goal line.
Olmo’s decisive intervention denied England a late equalizer, showcasing Spain’s calmness and defensive solidity under immense pressure. The dramatic sequence encapsulated the intensity and drama of the Euro 2024 final, highlighting the fine margins that separated victory from defeat on football’s biggest stage.
Spain’s victory in the Euro 2024 final marked their record fourth European Championship title and their first since 2012. In an impressive feat, Spain won all seven matches in the tournament, showcasing their dominance and consistency.
Nico Williams was named the Player of the Match in the Euro 2024 final, while Lamine Yamal won the Young Player of the Tournament award, highlighting the impact of Spain’s emerging talents. Additionally, midfielder Rodri was named the Best Player of Euro 2024, underscoring his pivotal role in Spain’s triumphant campaign. With that, Spain will now face Copa America 2024 champions Argentina in the Finalissima 2025. Also, look into the best performers of Euro 2024.
