At 3:00 AM on July 15, the 2024 UEFA Euro final kicks off at the Olympiastadion Berlin, where Spain faces England.
Spain has reached the final stage in a truly deserving manner. No one can deny that De la Fuente’s team is the standout performer of this UEFA Euro. They topped their group with a perfect record and eliminated host Germany and title favorites France in the knockout rounds. Their number of goal-scoring opportunities (96) and goals scored (13) are the tournament’s best. Spain’s attacking football dazzles opponents, with young wingers Nico Williams and Iñaki Williams’ sharp offensive moves instilling fear. However, they have not lost their traditional technical superiority, with high-intensity pressing and balanced play between the flanks and center, allowing them to play rational yet passionate football. Midfield maestro Rodri may be the most outstanding player of the tournament.
In UEFA Euro history, Spain has etched its name as champion in 1964, 2008, and 2012. They aim to crown themselves for the fourth time in Berlin, becoming the team with the most UEFA Euro victories. Spain’s winning rate in major tournament finals gives media and fans reason to be optimistic—of the five times they’ve reached such finals, aside from losing the 1984 UEFA Euro final to France, they have lifted the trophy in all other four occasions.
On the other side, England, emerging from the seemingly easier bottom half of the draw, appears somewhat lacking in confidence. Before the semi-finals, the Three Lions only managed to beat an opponent within 90 minutes once during this UEFA Euro. Dull draws against Denmark and Slovenia in the group stages left England looking exhausted, fragmented, and lacking offensive creativity. Had it not been for Bellingham’s sensational overhead kick and Saka’s heroics in critical moments, England would have already boarded the flight home before “taking football home.”
However, England’s presence in the Berlin final carries a tinge of destiny. Since 1966, Southgate has led England to more knockout wins than all previous coaches combined. “Southgate” has now guided his team to two consecutive UEFA Euro finals. The three teams who previously achieved this feat—the Soviet Union, Germany, and Spain—all have their names inscribed on the list of UEFA Euro champions.
England has every reason to believe they will be lifting the trophy in Berlin. This team seems to have evolved from being lost when leading (even in the previous UEFA Euro final) to calmly dealing with temporary setbacks and delivering lethal blows to opponents. Bellingham’s equalizer in the 95th minute against Slovakia and Watkins’ last-minute winner against the Netherlands create a strong feeling that “England is going to win its first major tournament title in 58 years.”
Personnel-wise, both teams face a mix of good and bad news. Spain welcomes back Carvajal and Lenoir-Mangue, suspended in the semi-final, marking De la Fuente’s return to a full-strength defense. But the veteran coach faces a dilemma because Nacho’s impressive performances in the quarterfinal and semi-final make it hard to exclude him from the game plan. Spain must overcome the absences of Pedri and Ayoze Pérez, the former injured his knee against Germany, while the latter suffered a thigh muscle tear.
For England, although Southgate can call upon all players in the squad, questions remain about Luke Shaw’s form and the balance between a back three or four. These are championship conundrums that could give Southgate a headache. The attacking quartet of Kane, Bellingham, Foden, and Saka is likely to start again. Perhaps Manchester United youngster Meunier could become the lucky charm, as he ended Rodri’s title defense dream with a goal in the previous FA Cup final.
Will the matadors write history or will the lions ascend to the throne for the first time? Tonight, the Olympiastadion Berlin is destined to witness new history, new legends. Let us wait together for the revelation of the mystery.
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