A late Mikel Oyarzabal goal goal earned Spain a 2-1 win against England in the final of the European Championship in Berlin on Sunday.
Spain has now won a record fourth European Championship title, having previously won it in 1964, 2008 and 2012.
They have now surpassed Germany who were the most successful team with three titles won in 1972, 1980 and 1996.
It is now back-to-back Euro final defeat for England who also were on the losing side when they were beaten on penalties by Italy three years ago.
After a goalless first half, Nico Williams opened the scoring for Spain in the 47th minute as he hit a low left-foot strike off a pass from Lamine Yamal.
Substitute Cole Palmer equalised for England in the 73rd minute after he was set up by Jude Bellingham.
But in the 86th minute Oyarzabal netted the winning goal as he stretched to slot home Marc Cucurella’s low cross.
3 Comments
Spanish second goal looks offside, England played well tho.
I am so so happy for Spain, forget over hyped English players and those who thinks that with England they will win world Cup our alright Eberechi abd Saka. Wasting their golden opportunity of winning meaningful titles with their father land. I can’t celebrate this win enough. For Guehi wait till tomorrow and see what English fans will do him in fact they will remind him of his origin.
England fall short again.
In spite of this painful defeat, it has to be said that Northgate is arguably England’s most successful manager ever.
A world cup semifinal, and 2 Euro finals back to back. Many would argue that these achievements look more impressive and consistent than a fluke world cup win in 1966.
Kudos to the English FA. Once upon a time, English football was denigrated as kick and follow, heavy on physicality, low on tactics and technique.
How that has changed!
Through shrewd marketing and management, the English FA transformed their hitherto hapless league into one of the most competitive, lucrative and entertaining leagues in the world. And with grassroot development, the conveyor belt of talents keeps churning out new stars. The 3 Lions of today are largely products of long term strategic planning.
If they had won the trophy today, it would have been thoroughly deserved. Alas, it was not to be.
Back to the drawing board for England. Their conveyor belt will continue to produce new talents, and Nigeria’s NFF ONIGBESE will be waiting in the wings to snap up some of them, reaping abundantly where they did not sow a farthing.