El partido en 60 segundos: una gran segunda parte lleva a España a la gloria en la EURO 2024
Luis de la Fuente's team began dominating the match, patiently moving the ball from side to side against a well-organized English defense that was waiting to see how the game would develop in the early stages. The first real threat came in the 12th minute when Nico Williams, after a great individual move, saw John Stones clear his dangerous shot from inside the six-yard box to a corner. Had it been on target, Jordan Pickford would have been forced to make a significant save.
From that point on, the final evened out, with both teams trying to create danger with their respective strategies, though without much inspiration. In a first half filled with nerves and intensity, it wasn't until stoppage time that a goalkeeper was called into action. Unai Simón, following a free kick by Declan Rice from the right and cleared to the far post by Robin Le Normand, had to save a very forced header from Phil Foden at the far post.
After the break, the Spaniards were met with the bad news of Rodri's injury, resulting in his substitution by Martín Zubimendi. Yet, in a twist of football fate, Spain found the goal through a team play down the right wing. Lamine Yamal sent the ball from the right to the left side, where Nico Williams was positioned. With a powerful shot from inside the box, Williams beat Pickford at the far post.
Without time to digest the blow, Dani Olmo had a clear opportunity to double the lead. However, his erratic shot sent the ball wide of the left post of the English goal. Amid Spain's inspired play, Álvaro Morata also had his chance to score, but John Stones denied him when it seemed the ball was headed for the back of the net.
Spain had a third consecutive opportunity with a powerful shot from the edge of the box by Nico Williams, which narrowly missed Pickford's right post. It was De la Fuente's team's moment. It was the moment for Gareth Southgate's men to stand firm.
The English team sought a reaction with a brilliant individual effort from Jude Bellingham. After showcasing his skill, Bellingham fired a powerful shot that nearly surprised Unai Simón, but the ball went wide.
With England pressed to find an equalizer, Spain found ample space to counterattack. Lamine Yamal capitalized on this with a shot from inside the box, forcing Pickford to make an excellent save, sending the ball out for a corner.
However, the Spaniards didn't seal the victory, and in the 73rd minute, a quick play caught Spain disorganized, leading to an equalizer for the Three Lions. A brilliant setup by Jude Bellingham to Cole Palmer, who had been on the field for only three minutes, ended in the back of Unai Simón's net. Simón couldn't stop Palmer's well-placed shot to his right post.
After this setback, Spain gradually regained their composure. Eight minutes before the end, they had a great chance when, after a good team move, the ball reached Lamine Yamal, who shot from inside the box, but Pickford once again denied him. Spain, the better team of the tournament, continued to press, and in the 86th minute, a cross from the left by Marc Cucurella was headed into the net by Mikel Oyarzabal from close range, marking his first goal of the tournament at the perfect moment.
The Spanish team still had to endure a tense finish to seal the victory. In stoppage time, Dani Olmo cleared a goal-bound header from Declan Rice off the line. After the scare, it was time to celebrate a historic triumph for Spain. Meanwhile, England will have to wait for another opportunity.