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It was an encounter fitting for the European Championship 2024 final. Substitute Mikel Oyarazabal's controversial yet legal goal in the 86th minute helped Spain beat England 2-1 and win their European Championship title.
Oyarzabal replaced Alvaro Morata in the 67th minute when Spain were leading 1-0. In the 73rd minute, Bukayo Saka found Jude Bellingham inside the box. Cole Palmer who came on as substitute in the 70th minute hit it from the edge of the box and into the bottom left corner to keep the game alive. and undo Nico Williams' 47th minute goal.
In the 86th minute, Marc Cucurella's pass from the left wing set it up nicely for Oyarzabal. He appeared offside at first as he found the back of the net with a touch from six yards to put it past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Later, the VAR showed that Oyarzabal was on side.
The game was not over in Berlin as England fought back. First, Declan Rice's header was parried by Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon. Then, in the 90th minute, they almost succeeded but Marc Guehi's on-target header was cleared by Danil Olmo off the line. In four minutes of stoppage time, England could not find the equaliser as their wait for a major trophy continued. The last time it was Italy to whom they lost on penalties and this time Spain end their hopes of winning maiden European Championship title.
“I believe there is a historical change, we are really grateful," said Williams, the player of the match of the final.
“My parents have suffered a lot to get here. They are the ones who have suffered the most and they have instilled this sort of respect and loyalty in me. I'm really happy because we are making history.”
“I said before the tournament, nobody can hang with us,” he added.
Kane distraught after loss
England captain Harry Kane was dejected after the defeat in the final.
“It has been a difficult ride, we have done extremely well to get here, but ultimately we are going to be judged on this game,” England captain Harry Kane said.
“It's extremely painful,” he added. "It's going to hurt for a long, long time.”
Southgate tight-lipped on future
Meanwhile, England coach Gareth Southgate, who has been in charge of the team for eight years, feels this is not a time to make a hasty decision.
“Most of this squad are going to be around not just for the World Cup but the next Euros as well,” Southgate said. "There's a lot to look forward to but at this moment that's not any consolation.”
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