'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Spain defeated England 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final to be crowned champions of Europe on Sunday, July 14 at Olympiastadion Berlin. Spain started the game with more conviction as they held most of the possession. La Roja kept trying to spin the ball, but the end product was missing. England did enjoy spells of possession where they looked threatening, but the first half ended goalless.
Spain started the second half in scintillating fashion as they broke the deadlock in the 47th minute through Nico Williams. The 22-year-old smartly tucked one in to grab the advantage for his side. Post the goal, Spain looked dominant and looked more likely to grab another. However, England had their equalizer in the 73rd minute as Cole Palmer came off the bench to score a peach of a goal from outside the box.
Trending
Spain did not give in and mounted their offense yet again and kept going. They had a couple of chances thwarted but got their goal through Mikel Oyarzabal in the 86th minute. He glided the ball past Jordan Pickford following some neat footballing sequence by the Spaniards. England tried to steal another equalizer in the dying moments of the game. However, Spain hung on and clinched the victory to become the champions of Europe for the fourth time.
On that note, let's take a look at the player ratings for Spain.
Spain Player Ratings
Unai Simon - 7/10
Unai Simon was a spectator for the majority of the game but was reliable whenever called upon. He made two saves, one of which came in the dying minutes of the game to ensure Spain kept the advantage. Nothing he could have done to deny Cole Palmer.
Dani Carvajal - 7/10
Dani Carvajal put in a massive shift on the right and rocked down the flank up and down throughout the game. His crossing was a bit off, but provided additional support moving on and was astute defensively as well.
Robin Le Normand - 7/10
Robin Le Normand looked quite comfortable at the back and distributed the ball well. He completed the most number of passes (80), made five recoveries, won four duels, and made three clearances throughout his stay on the pitch.
Aymeric Laporte - 7/10
Aymeric Laporte was solid at the back and was pretty accurate with his positioning at the back. He along with Le Normand, dealt with everything that came down the center. Little could they do about the Cole Palmer stunner.
Marc Cucurella - 7.5/10
Marc Cucurella was having a pretty silent opening half as Bukayo Saka kept him company for the majority of the part, but he picked up after the restart. He was highly involved in the second half and even set up Mikel Oyarzabal's winner of the night.
Rodri - 7/10
Rodri made a vital block in the opening half of the game and was showing his dominance in the center. He was unlucky to be taken off in the second half following an injury.
Fabian Ruiz - 7/10
Fabian Ruiz was one of the most lively players as he was highly involved in the game. He was orchestrating play, creating chances, getting on the end of it and more. Ruiz won seven duels, made six recoveries, won four tackles, made one interception, and completed one dribble throughout the game.
Lamine Yamal - 7.5/10
Lamine Yamal did have a subdued first half and struggled against Luke Shaw, but came to life in the second. He provided the assist for the opening goal of the game and got into some great positions. He himself should have had a goal. However, he shot the ball straight at Pickford when he had the chance to seal the game for his side minutes after England grabbed the equalizer.
Dani Olmo - 7.5/10
Dani Olmo did a decent job yet again upfront, being involved in Oyarbazal's goal. His highlight of the game came when he made a goal-line clearance in the dying moments of the game to deny England a chance to equalize yet again.
Nico Williams - 8.5/10
Nico Williams was the Man of the Match and rightfully so. The 22-year-old scored the opening goal of the game right after the restart. He was lively on the left flank throughout the game and his quick feet caused all sorts of trouble for the Englishmen. Williams also created three chances and made seven recoveries throughout the game.
Alvaro Morata - 7/10
Alvaro Morata did not threaten the goal directly but worked hard throughout his stay on the pitch. He led the forward line and made some intelligent runs keeping the England defenders engaged.
Substitutes
Martin Zubimendi - 7/10
Martin Zubimendi was neat and tidy on the ball. He won five duels, made three recoveries, won two tackles, and completed one dribble in the second half post coming on for Rodri.
Mikel Oyarzabal - 8/10
Mikel Oyarzabal became the hero for Spain tonight as he scored the winning goal of the game. He was involved in the buildup and timed his run to perfection before slotting one past Jordan Pickford. A real game-changer off the bench.
Nacho Fernandez - 6.5/10
Provided a layer of extra security at the back as he replaced the tired Robin Le Normand.
Mikel Merino - NA
Came on too late to earn a rating.
