Spain became the most successful country in Europe when they defeated England 2-1 in the high-octane Sunday final to clinch their 4th UEFA European Championship. ‘La Roja’ had played some exceptionally entertaining ‘direct’ football as opposed to their short passing possessional style of play throughout the tournament to reach the finals and they were the firm favourites to lift the coveted trophy.
In Berlin, the atmosphere was perfectly electrifying to host the Euro Cup final and as per expectation, Spain started the match quite positively, playing their eye catching free flowing football giving their opponents barely any opportunities. On the other hand, England’s defence was quite stubborn that resisted the Spanish attacks.
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The ‘Three Lions’ started with Luke Shaw that naturally strengthened their left wing which was missing earlier in the tournament. Spain reinstated defenders Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand who missed the semi-final victory against France due to suspension.
Despite dominating possessions and penetrating the English defence, Spain failed to create any worthwhile opportunity in the first half that put goalie Jordan Pickford under any pressure. In the dying moments of the first half, Phil Foden got a chance to break the deadlock but his left footed strike was easily dealt at the near post by Unai Simon.
There was a change at the break for Spain as Rodri picked up an injury at the end of first half, as a result Martin Zubimendi took his place.
Just a couple of minutes after the restart, Spain were in front when teenage sensation Lamine Yamal drove down the right before cutting inside finding Nico Williams who was unmarked on the far side of the box and the Athletic Bilbao winger perfectly slotted home with his weaker left foot, beyond Pickford’s reach.
Gareth Southgate introduced young talents Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer after the hour mark and the latter’s impact was almost instantaneous. When it seemed that Spain will be able to protect their slender lead till the final whistle, all of a sudden England got the equaliser when a terrific counter attack led by Bukayo Saka from the right wing found Jude Bellingham inside the box who fed the ball back to Palmer whose first time left footed strike found the bottom left corner.
When it was looking like a second successive Euro Cup final was heading towards an extra time after an identical 1-1 score line, another substitute, this time from Spain changed the scenario in the 86th minute. Mikel Oyarzabal who was introduced midway through the second half in place of captain Alvaro Morata, played a perfect one-two pass with left winger Marc Cucurella before finishing clinically from close range.
There was no way back for England after conceding the second goal as their search for first International silverware since 1966 prolonged again. Meanwhile, with this commanding victory, Spain is now the most successful nation in Europe to grab this illustrious trophy for the fourth time, surpassing Germany.
6 comments
A vivid description of the EURO Cup final written in a beautiful and lucid language
A vivid and lucid description of the game in a nutshell. Thanks Abhirup
A clear and good description of the match. Keep it up❤️
As I missed to view the match, Abhirup make me the spectator through his contribution in which Spain were champions having won all matches in the tournament.
As described, I saw the exciting final and lift the coveted trophy by favourite Spain.
Nice description…. Well written
For someone who is viewing this post quite a few days after it has been written, it is significant that I highlight how the impact of the victory is prevented from complete negation by this beautiful article. The choice of your words, specially the way in which they embody the title of your articles, effectively attracts readers towards them. Needless to say, captivating and lucid as always!!