Spain historic champions – Oyarzabal the hero

Spain is European Champion again.

Mikel Oyarzabal's 2-1 goal in the 86th minute against England was decisive.

Now, no nation has won the European Championship more times than Spain.

Marc Cucurella played forward and Mikel Oyarzabal threw himself forward. Then it was 2-1 to Spain after the Real Sociedad player pushed the ball into the goal.

The goal was decisive in the European Championship final at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin. Spain has now won the European Championship four times – more than any other nation.

I did my job and what I had to do in that moment. I was lucky enough to score the decisive goal, it means a lot, says Oyarzabal according to AFP.

Coach Luis de la Fuente is jubilant:

I can't be happier!

Key player injured

An eventful end to the match, but less eventful at the start.

The match started as expected. Namely, with a large Spanish ball possession.

Luis de la Fuente's team dominated the game but had trouble creating bigger scoring opportunities. Breakthrough player Nico Williams threatened a lot along his left flank, but it didn't lead to any bigger dangers.

Neither did England create any bigger chances in the first half. Harry Kane got a good shooting opportunity, but midfielder Rodri stretched out and blocked with his foot. After the situation, he grinned badly – and was replaced by Martín Zubimendi in the second half.

But there was no immediate negative effect to speak of. On the contrary.

Spain turned up the tempo significantly and got their reward.

Dani Carvajal cleverly played forward to the 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who in turn played forward to Nico Williams, who became the goal scorer. The 22-year-old clipped the ball directly and placed it in the 47th minute.

Substitutes score

A pressured England responded later by substituting team captain Harry Kane and replacing him with semifinal hero Ollie Watkins. In the 70th minute, Cole Palmer was then substituted in – and became a goal scorer three minutes later.

The Chelsea star placed a shot from distance and suddenly it was 1-1.

But it wasn't England's day.

In the 86th minute, Marc Cucurella played forward to substitute Mikel Oyarzabal, who pushed in 2-1 to Spain. England got a huge chance to equalize shortly after, but Dani Olmo saved with his head on the goal line.

I'm euphoric and very happy. We all deserve it. The families, the supporters... We are European champions and now we're going for the World Championship (2026), says Nico Williams according to AFP.

2024: Spain

2021: Italy

2016: Portugal

2012: Spain

2008: Spain

2004: Greece

2000: France

1996: Germany

1992: Denmark

1988: Netherlands

1984: France

1980: West Germany