Spain won. Honestly, if you were watching the final in Berlin on July 14, 2024, it felt like the natural order of things was finally being restored. Spain didn’t just win the trophy; they basically redefined how international football is played in the modern era.
By the time the final whistle blew at the Olympiastadion, the scoreboard read Spain 2-1 England.
It was a record-breaking night. Spain bagged their fourth European Championship title, moving past Germany to become the most successful team in the history of the tournament. But the stats don’t really capture the tension of those final ten minutes when England looked like they might actually pull off another "Houdini act."
🔗 Read more: Where to Watch NCAA Football Championship: No Cable? No Problem
The Moment Everything Changed in Berlin
The first half was, well, kinda boring. Both teams were feeling each other out, and England’s defense looked like a brick wall. But then the second half started, and within about 90 seconds, the game exploded.
Lamine Yamal—who had literally just turned 17 the day before—cut inside and found Nico Williams. Williams didn't miss. He smashed a low shot past Jordan Pickford, and suddenly, the "it's coming home" chants from the English fans got a lot quieter.
But England has this weird habit of surviving.
👉 See also: When Do the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Play: What Most People Get Wrong
Gareth Southgate threw on Cole Palmer, and the Chelsea man did what he’s been doing all season. In the 73rd minute, he hit a first-time strike from outside the box that leveled the score. It was a absolute rocket. For a second there, it felt like momentum had shifted entirely.
Who Won Last Euro Football and How?
If you're asking who won last Euro football, you have to talk about Mikel Oyarzabal. He isn't the biggest star on the team, but he became the hero.
In the 86th minute, Marc Cucurella—the guy with the famous hair who spent the whole tournament being booed by German fans for a controversial handball in the quarter-final—whipped in a perfect low cross. Oyarzabal slid in, poked it home, and that was it. England had one last chance with a triple header in the 90th minute, but Dani Olmo cleared a ball off the line that felt like a goal.
Spain deserved it. They won every single game they played in the tournament. That hasn't happened in a long time.
Why Spain's Victory Matters
Most people get wrong the idea that Spain is still just a "tiki-taka" team. They aren't. Under Luis de la Fuente, they became faster and way more direct. They beat Italy, Germany, France, and England. That is basically a "Who's Who" of world football giants.
- Lamine Yamal became the youngest player to ever play and score in the tournament.
- Rodri was named the Player of the Tournament, basically cementing his status as the best midfielder on the planet.
- Nico Williams proved that traditional wingers who actually run at people are still the most dangerous thing in football.
The England Heartbreak
For England, it was a case of "so close, yet so far." Again. They became the first team to lose back-to-back Euro finals. It was a tough pill to swallow for Harry Kane, who is still searching for that elusive first major trophy of his career.
Southgate’s side showed incredible grit throughout the tournament—Bellingham’s overhead kick against Slovakia, the penalty shootout against Switzerland—but in the final, they just ran out of steam against a team that was simply better at keeping the ball.
Looking Ahead to Euro 2028
The football world doesn't stand still. While Spain is still celebrating, the focus is already shifting to the next one.
✨ Don't miss: What Channel Is LSU On: Your No-Stress Guide for Today's Games
The 2028 European Championship is heading to the UK and Ireland. We're talking about games in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Dublin, Cardiff, and Belfast. It’s going to be a massive homecoming for the sport.
If you're looking to stay ahead of the game, pay attention to the youth squads. Players like Spain’s Gavi (who missed 2024 through injury) and England’s emerging crop of talent will be the ones to watch as the qualifying cycles begin. Keep an eye on the UEFA Nations League rankings, as those often dictate the seeding for the next big draw. Start following the U-21 championships now; that's where the next Lamine Yamal is currently hiding.