THE 2024 European Championship (EURO) ended with Spain edging England to a 2-1 win at Olympiastadion Berlin in Germany on Sunday night, July 14.
Spain had previously won the tournament in 1964, 2008, and 2012 and was tied with Germany as the only three-time champions.
With Sunday’s victory, Spain has now won its record fourth European soccer championship, thanks to the 86th-minute goal from Mikel Oyarzabal.
The footballing nation won all seven games it played at Euro 2024, ultimately winning the tournament, in one of the most dominant performances in international football.
“I couldn’t be happier. To see the fans, to see the players,” Spain manager Luis de la Fuente said.
He added, “I said I was proud, and today I am even prouder. It confirms what we are. For me, they are the best in the world, and today I confirm that definition.”
This is England’s second consecutive runner-up finish, having lost to Italy in the final of Euro 2020.
England has never won a European championship and its last major international tournament win was the 1966 World Cup.
Yamal’s breakthrough
One of the most exciting stories of Euro 2024 has been the outstanding display by the 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who would later win the Young Player of the Tournament.
Lamine Yamal, who turned 17 on Saturday, July 13, had five goal contributions, with four assists and one goal. The youngster scored against France and set up goals against Croatia, Georgia, Germany, and England.
Barcelona’s wonderkid not only led Spain to its fourth Euro title, but he also became the youngest player to feature, score, and assist in a European Championship match.
Yamal’s performance sparked conversations about the next generation of talent in European football, with many already pitching him to take the mantle left by Lionel Messi in Barcelona.
“This is the best (birthday) gift I could have asked for. It’s a dream come true,” Yamal said during the post-match interview.
“It got tough when they tied the score, but I don’t know what this team is made of because we always fight back,” he added.
Rodri and Bellingham: Ballon d’Or shout
Spain winning the Euro 2024 might have been a great addition for Rodri, who had a wonderful season with Manchester City in the 2023/24 season.
The Spanish midfielder was instrumental in Spain’s dominance in the tournament, showing his exceptional football skills and ability.
Although he was forced out of the pitch after the first 45 minutes, his performances were pivotal in leading Spain to the final and securing the championship title.
Having won the player of the tournament, alongside the Euro and league title with Manchester City, Rodri is now among the frontrunners for the most prestigious Ballon d’Or.
Jude Bellingham, on the other hand, was not at his best in the tournament. But this has not stopped him from catching people’s attention.
For instance, the 21-year-old began the tournament with a flying header, which handed England the three-point against Serbia in their opening group stage match.
Similarly, the youngster, who played for Real Madrid, scored a brilliant 95th-minute overhead kick that rescued England from defeat in the last-16 match with Slovakia, with another assist in the final against Spain.
Bellingham before this tournament had been in the top two race for the best player award, alongside his club mate, Vinicius Jnr, having won the best player of La Liga with his quick and spectacular start into his Madrid career in the 2023/24 season.
Georgia’s epic tournament
Before the tournament began, Georgia coach, Willy Sagnol, only wanted his team to gain experience on its debut in such a major competition.
However, the team went ahead to stun Portugal in the group stage and qualify for the knockout stage.
The lowest-ranked team in the tournament would later lose 4-1 to Spain in the round of 16, as their coach applauded its achievement and journey so far in the tournament.
“I’m very proud of what the players have done in the last months and now it is the end of the journey but I’m sure the next one will also be very exciting,” Sagnol said.
Defending Champion Italy’s exit
The defending champion Italy was knocked out of Euro 2024 in the last 16 after Switzerland produced a stunning upset to win 2-0 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
Italy has been struggling in recent times since winning the Euro 2020 title, having failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup tournament held in Qatar.
Ronaldo and Portugal
Surprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest football players, failed to score a goal in Germany despite playing more minutes than any other outfield player in the Portugal squad.
The 39-year-old, having won the 2016 Euro against France, had hoped to make another history with his national team but would later be defeated by the same country in a penalty shootout.
It was a record sixth for the 39-year-old superstar, and it remains unclear whether he will retire from international duty.
Beyond individual brilliance, and highlighted performances, Euro 2024 was filled with other thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: [email protected]. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M