BERLIN (AP): Spain secured their fourth European Championship title on Sunday when Mikel Oyarzabal scored in the 86th minute to seal a 2-1 victory over England.
The game at Berlin’s Olympiastadion appeared headed for extra time before Oyarzabal poked home Marc Cucurella’s cross. Cole Palmer had earlier equalized for England in the 73rd minute, canceling out Nico Williams’ opener.
Spain previously won the title in 1964, 2008, and 2012. Oyarzabal, who came on as a substitute for captain Alvaro Morata, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the team’s success. England’s men’s team has now lost back-to-back Euro finals and has not won a major title since the 1966 World Cup.
The loss was particularly painful as it occurred in front of Prince William and Spain’s King Felipe at the venue built for the 1936 Olympics.
Despite the defeat, Prince William expressed pride in the team’s efforts. After the final whistle, the Spanish players celebrated joyously, with Williams and Dani Carvajal among those overcome with emotion.
Yamal, Marc Cucurella, and Dani Olmo were among the first to leap over the advertising hoardings to reach the Spanish fans in the east end of the stadium.
It was appropriate that Yamal and Williams collaborated for the crucial opening goal as they represent the face of this vibrant, multicultural team that reflects the new reality in Spain.
Yamal’s mother hails from Equatorial Guinea and his father from Morocco, while Williams, a fellow winger, has Ghanaian parents who embarked on a long journey to Europe in search of a better life.
“Euphoria! We are overjoyed. We earned this,” stated Williams, the player of the match. “This victory is for our fans and our parents, who have stood by us all along.” Unlike his brother Inaki, who plays for Ghana internationally, Nico opted to represent Spain and will now be hailed as a national hero there.
The same goes for Oyarzabal and the rest of the Spain team, who have triumphed in all seven matches at this tournament – a remarkable achievement – defeating powerhouses Germany, France, and England consecutively in the knockout stage.
Spain has reemerged as a significant force in senior football after claiming victory in both the Women’s World Cup and the men’s UEFA Nations League in 2023.
Since 2001, Spanish men’s teams have emerged victorious in 23 consecutive major finals in club and international football.
