Spain conquer Europe yet again! | Sports | thenews.com.pk

Sunday was Spain’s day of dominance in the arena of sports. Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz defended his Wimbledon title in an exhilarating fashion (a straight set win) – defeating seven time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic consecutively. Six hours later, Spanish football team once again established their dominance in European football, clinching the Euro 2024 title with a thrilling 2-1 victory over England in Berlin on Sunday. The final, watched by millions around the globe, was a dramatic affair with all three goals coming in the second half.

Spain have now won the tournament for a record fourth time. They added another chapter to their football glory having previously won the tournament in 1964, 2008, and 2012 against the Soviet Union, Germany and Italy, respectively.

In contrast, England’s dreams of bringing the trophy home remained a dream as their drought for a major trophy continues even after 58 years, with their last triumph being the 1966 World Cup.

Spain fielded the same lineup that started against Germany in the quarter-finals with only injured Pedri being replaced by their number 10 Dani Olmo who also started against France in the semi-finals. England made a strategic change, including Luke Shaw in the starting eleven and benching Kieran Trippier. Spain kept majority of the ball possession in the first half but both teams were cautious in their approach in the first 45 minutes of the game, not taking unnecessary chances and focusing on maintaining their shape of defense and waiting for the right moments to strike.

The deadlock was broken in the 47th minute by Nico Williams who converted Lamine Yamal’s pass into a goal – Lamine earning his fourth assist of the tournament – to put Spain ahead. Williams, who earned the Player of the Match award, showcased his brilliance throughout the game while Lamine’s outstanding performance in the tournament earned him the Best Young Player award, with four assists and one goal to his name.

England’s response came through Cole Palmer in the 73rd minute, whose stunning shot from outside the box found the bottom corner of the net, far from Unai Simon’s reach, leveling the score. However, Spain did not lose their grip on the game and regained the lead in the 86th minute that secured their victory. It was Oyarzabal, the substitute for Morata, who made sure to place the ball behind the net from Cucurella’s pass. During the last few moments of the game, England had a golden opportunity to equalise from a corner but Dani Olmo’s key clearance from the line prevented the ball from going in the net.

England’s first final of the competition was in Euro 2020 where they lost to Italy on penalty shootout. Harry Kane had a phenomenal first season with Bayern Munich – netting 36 goals to become Bundesliga’s 2023/2024 season’s top goalscorer. Jude Bellingham’s performance in his debut season in the Bernabeu is beyond words as his name is also among the favourites to win the Ballon D’or by fans overall the world. Bellingham scored 23 goals for Real Madrid this season, helping them win the Champions League, La Liga and Spanish Super Cup. Phil Foden is another key player for Guardiola’s Manchester City who won the Premier League yet again. Even with all these stars in the starting line-up, England’s dream to lift an international trophy remains a dream.

England entered the final after a hard-fought victory against the Netherlands, while Spain triumphed over France and the hosts Germany to secure their spot in the final. Spain’s impeccable run through the tournament is a testament to their skill and determination. Spain showed maturity in their playing style, short-passing and high pressing, along with young players on the mark.

England showed resilience against their opponents to reach the final. Bellingham’s late equaliser against Slovakia was crucial in keeping England’s hopes alive. The English players fought hard when they were behind on goals and made sure to clinch victory in the extra-time or on penalties in the knock-out phase.

Rodri, a pivotal figure for Spain, was named the Player of the Tournament. His influence on the pitch was undeniable, contributing to both defensive solidity and attacking build-up. He has had a wonderful season all together with club and country – lifting 8 titles and losing only four games since the start of 2023. Dani Olmo also stood out, sharing the Golden Boot award with three goals.

Many fans expressed their concern over the lack of experience of Spain at the start of the tournament – Spain missed out on stars from big clubs like Asensio, Brahim Diaz, Grimaldo, Saul. But Luis De la Fuente’s precision and conciseness, as Rodri said it himself, was the key behind Spain’s dominance. As the celebrations continue, the world of football acknowledges Spain’s excellence and looks forward to the future of these young players as they will meet Argentina next year in the Finalissima.