Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scored a dramatic late winner as Spain triumphed in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final, beating England 2-1 to confirm their re-emergence as a force on the international stage and end their opponents’ dreams of winning a first title in almost six decades.
Oyarzabal, the Real Sociedad forward, turned in a cross in the 86th minute to hand Spain a record fourth European Championship crown — and a third in the last five editions.
The 27-year-old played the ball out to Marc Cucurella on the left before racing into the middle to turn his teammate’s low cross into the net, staying just onside in the process.
“It’s a very, very close off-side call,” Sky Sports’ Pete Gill said.
“Is Stones’ knee playing him onside?”
ENGLAND’S 58-YEAR FOOTBALL PAIN LIVES ON AS LATE, RAZOR-THIN CALL DECIDES EURO THRILLER
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Super-sub Palmer produces STUNNER | 00:40
Despite some initial conjecture over whether Oyarzabal’s goal was legitimate, the automated VAR later showed Stones’ knee kept the Spaniard onside — albeit by inches.
“Euphoric, very happy,” Oyarzabal said after the match.
“All our people deserve it. The family, the fans.
“European champions and now we’re going for the World Cup (in 2026).
“I did my job, what I had to do at every moment. I was lucky enough to score the winner. You value it a lot. And if you’re lucky enough to score the goal.
“It’s the best.”
Spain becomes the first team to win the Euro title for a fourth time — 2024 now joins 1964, 2008 and 2012 as a special year for Spanish football.
“The best team won tonight and the best team in the tournament, their record over the last 12 months has been fantastic, they have a lovely mix with counter-attack, pace, youth, experience,” former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane said on ITV.
“They have fight, desire and pride, but that was tough on England, but without a doubt, Spain deserved it.”
England captain Harry Kane told ITV: “It’s hard to put into words how we’re all feeling right now. Tough game.
“To concede late on is really tough to take.
“We’ve been coming from behind all tournament, we’ve got it in the locker. We didn’t take the next step and win it.
“It’s an opportunity missed. These finals aren’t easy to get to. You have to take it when it comes and we haven’t done it again. It’s extremely painful and it’ll hurt for a long time.
“Gareth will go away and take time to decide. We wanted to win it for him.”
Despite the heartbreak, British pundits agreed the Three Lions’ defensive style of football simply wasn’t enough to overpower the Spaniards.
“England were not brave enough on the evening to make the next step,” former Celtic striker Chris Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live:
“It is a good thing for football that Spain won the tournament with the brand they have played.
“Spain played the beautiful game and England didn’t — the beauty of Gareth’s team has been getting over the line.”
Spain’s young star duo sink England! | 00:43
King Charles shared a message for England coach Gareth Southgate on social media.
“Although victory may have eluded you this evening, nevertheless my wife and I join all my family in urging you and your support team to hold your heads high,” he wrote.
“All those who have participated in sporting activities at any level will know how utterly despairing such a result can feel when the prize was so near – and will join me in sending heartfelt sympathy, even as we congratulate Spain.
“But please know that your success in reaching the European Championship final is a really great achievement in itself, and one that brings with it the pride of a nation which will continue to roar for the Three Lions today – and in the many triumphs which I have no doubt lie ahead.”
Meanwhile, Southgate hinted he may consider stepping down after Sunday’s loss.
“I’m devastated for everyone really,” Southgate declared.
“Across the 90 minutes I’m not sure we did quite enough.
“I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that. I need to talk to the right people. It’s not for now.”