THE final of the Euro 2024 was supposed to be a showcase of Johan Cruffy’s footballing principles, distilled through the academies of Barcelona (and by extension, Spain) and spread to other soccer nations via fervent disciples such as Pep Guardiola.
England versus Spain was supposed to be a showcase of fast, fluid attacking football, executed by players of incredible technical prowess. It was a final graced by some of the planet’s finest footballing talent including the likes of Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Rodri.
What greeted spectators and the millions tuning in at 3am this morning was anything but. Cagey, cautious and conservative were the dominant themes of the first half as both sides seemed somewhat overwhelmed by the occasion; players looked to not give anything away rather than take the game by the scruff of the neck.
To emphasise the surprising drabness of the first period was that neither goalkeeper had a save to make until injury time when Phil Fodden hit a fairly tame attempt at Unai Simon’s goal.
The second half began with a bang though as Spain’s much vaunted duo of Nico Williams and Yamal Lemina combined to open the scoring inside two minutes, making light of the fact that talismanic Rodri had been forced off injured at the break.
The goal seemed to spark Spain into life as they began to display the kind of brilliant form that had seen them win six out of six coming into the final game. Keeping possession, Spain picked holes in England’s defence as the Three Lions went in search of the equaliser.
Gareth Southgate’s men have showed incredible resilience by coming from behind in their last three knock out games to triumph. Against the run of play, up stepped Cole Palmer to side foot a precise grounder into the corner of the Spain net in the 75th minute.
Inexplicably, England retreated back into their collective shell after scoring that goal allowing Spain to reassert themselves. Luis de la Fuente’s side duly tightened the screws and got their just rewards by getting a late winner via substitute Mikel Oryazabal.
Spain held on for the remaining few minutes to lift the trophy for the fourth time and the first team to complete a European championship with a 100% record.
For England, the painful wait for a major trophy since the World Cup win in 1966 continues. They remain the only nation from the big five European leagues (France, Germany, Spain and Italy being the others) not to have been crowned continental champions.
The inquest will once again be long and hard as England supporters contemplate back-to-back Euro final defeats.
Spain arrived as tournament outsiders but have clearly been the outstanding team at Euro 2024. Playing exquisite football and boasting some fine young talent, the future looks bright for La Roja. – July 15, 2024
Main pic credit: Michael Regan/UEFA/Getty Images