Euro 2024 Recap: Spain Clinch Record Fourth Title
Oyarzabal Scores Winner as Spain Defeat England 2-1
England Lose Second Consecutive Euro Final
Soccer fans were spoiled by the concurrent European Championship and Copa America over the past month. Now, both tournaments are over and Spain became record four-time European champions on Sunday by defeating England 2-1. In an incredible run, Spain became the first team to win all seven of their matches at the Euros.
Spain entered the tournament at +800 outright odds and Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams broke out on the world stage in their run. We’ll take a look at Spain’s title run, the Euro 2024 awards and the surprises of the tournament in our Euro 2024 recap.
Spain vs England
Result: 2 – 1
The Final
Spain defeated France 2-1 in the Semifinals to advance to their third final in their last five tries. Meanwhile, England managed to come back after falling behind for a third straight knockout stage by taking down the Netherlands 2-1. England were among the most popular UEFA Euro 2024 picks pre-tournament, as they were +300 favorites and reached the final at Euro 2020.
The first half of Sunday’s final was devoid of good chances and key Spanish midfielder Rodri exited the game at halftime with an injury. Despite Spain replacing Rodri with Martin Zubimendi, La Roja managed to grab the first goal of the game as Lamine Yamal set up a left-footed finish by Nico Williams in the 47th minute.
England coach Gareth Southgate subbed off striker and captain Harry Kane early to replace him with Ollie Watkins. Another substitute, Cole Palmer, equalized for England in the 73rd minute. England backed off and Spain pushed for a winner, which came when Mikel Oyarzabal poked in a cross from Marc Cucurella.
Spain’s Title Run
When Spain won their opening match of Euro 2024 3-0, against Croatia, it absolutely sent a message. Even in the tournament’s group of death, with Croatia, Italy and Albania, Spain managed to win all three of their games and come in first place in the Group B UEFA Euro standings.
Spain ceased to play their signature tiki-taka style in favor of a more direct approach. Williams and Yamal stood out up top, while the midfield three of Fabian Ruiz, Pedri and Rodri earned plenty of plaudits.
As Spain clinched the group before the final group game, coach Luis de la Fuente was able to rest his key players for the 1-0 win over Albania. In the round of 16, Spain came up against tournament debutants Georgia and picked them apart.
Four different players scored in the 4-1 rout, which set up a Quarter-Finals meeting with hosts Germany. Pedri picked up an injury in that match and his replacement, Dani Olmo scored the opening goal. After Germany equalized, Spain managed a late goal in extra time to advance to the Semifinals for a second straight tournament.
Spain fell behind in the ninth minute against France but superb goals from Yamal and Dani Olmo powered La Roja to a 2-1 comeback victory. Our Euro 2024 recap highlights that Spain’s victory over England marked a record fourth European title.
Surprises of the Tournament
Georgia made their European Championship debut last month and were one of the most entertaining watches of the tournament. After falling 3-1 to Turkey in their opener, Georgia drew 1-1 against Czechia as Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili put in a heroic performance.
In their group stage closer, Georgia pulled off the biggest upset in Euros history by beating Portugal 2-0 behind goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze. Their run came to an end in the round of 16, where they lost 4-1 to eventual champions Spain.
Turkey, who Georgia lost to in the group stage, were another pleasant surprise. Coach Vincenzo Montella started teenagers Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz and Guler was one of the best young players in the tournament.
After beating Georgia 3-1, Turkey lost to Portugal 3-0 and defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 to set up a round of 16 meeting against Austria. Center back Merih Demiral scored twice to defeat the Austrians 2-1 and reach their first Quarter-Final since 2004.
In the quarters, Turkey lost 2-1 to the Netherlands. Regardless, Turkey were one of the UEFA Euro soccer betting surprise picks.
Awards
At Euro 2020, Cristiano Ronaldo won the Golden Boot over Patrik Schick because the Portuguese legend provided more assists. This time around, UEFA scrapped that rule and six players finished tied with three goals.
Slovakia’s Ivan Schranz had the most goals per minute played. However, he shared the award with Spain’s Dani Olmo, England’s Harry Kane, the Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo, Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze and Germany’s Jamal Musiala.
Spain’s Rodri may have left the pitch early in the final against England. However, our Euro 2024 Recap notes the midfielder won the Best Player award. Rodri was Spain’s midfield engine and contributed to their build up play just as much as he contributed defensively.
The Manchester City man has been criminally underrated for a few years now and is a Ballon d’Or candidate.
Rodri’s teammate Lamine Yamal fully deserved to win the Best Young Player award. Barcelona’s Yamal, who turned 17 the day before the final, became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Euros when he sent in a screamer against France. He provided an assist for Nico Williams in the final and led Euro 2024 with four assists.
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