Spain Makes a Breakthrough against England to Win their 4th European Championship Title. Did Mikel Oyarzabal make it possible? - Written by Ishita Pal (Managing News Partner) Bisjhintus News

Spain made a 2-1 breakthrough against England to win their 4th European Championship Title on Sunday. It was Mikel Oyarzabal who made it possible with his 87th-minute goal, assisted by Marc Cucurella. It crushed England’s hopes for extra-time after Cole-Palmer’s 73rd-minute equalizer, extending England’s wait to bring a major trophy home. The match at Berlin Olympiastadion witnessed another great display of resilience from England and also the unified spirit of Spain with its fans. 

Spain had also won the title back in 1968, 2008 and 2012. Marc Cucurella’s cross which was slid by Mikel Oyarzabal into the goal determined the destiny for Spain. 

 

This situation has led the England’s Men’s Team to lose back-to-back European Championship Final and thus stay barred from a major title since the 1966 World Cup. The match at Berlin was attended by noble figures like Prince William and also King Felipe, the King of Spain.

 

The game was quite dramatic in nature and bore witness to a shift in tempo from the first half to the second half. In the first half both the teams stood their grounds even though England scored the first shot on target. However, the world witnessed a dramatic change in tempo during the second half with Spain breaking the deadlock. Lamine Yamal, a 17-year-old, delivered a cross to Nico Willliams who connected with it and sent the ball home, thus making a significant contribution to the game.

 

England’s manager, Gareth Southgate, in response to Spain yielding pressure on England’s defense which made several scoring opportunities for Spain, substituted Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer. As a result, it led to an immediate goal by England. In the 73rd- minute Cole Palmer scored a precise shot in the net equalizing the score. This goal made the match appear to be heading to extra time. England’s tough fight ignited the English crowd, shifting the momentum of the match.

 

Despite England’s resilience, Spain displayed an upper hand when the substitute Mikel Oyarzabal scored the goal by connecting with Marc Cucurella’s counterattack - the goal which destined Spain to secure their 4th European Championship Title. Though in the last moment, England would have almost made it possible to neutralize the goal, but Unai Simon’s save from Declan Rice’s header and Dani Olmo’s goal - line clearance clinched the title for Spain.

 

This emotional victory for Spain led Nico William to cover his face with his hands, overwhelmed by his emotions, and then being consoled by his teammates. Prominent players like Yamal, Marc Cucurella and Dani Olmo, made their way to the crowd to celebrate the joyous victory.

 

On the other hand, Harry Kane was tormented on the quest for a trophy. This player who was substituted off the pitch was helpless as he observed Spain scoring off their winning goal. His emotional display at the end of the match displayed England’s constant struggle to win a major trophy. The England captain admitted at the end “It’s an opportunity missed.” and also added “It's extremely painful. It's going to hurt for a long, long time. It's disappointing we couldn't win it for Gareth, we wanted to win it for him.”