Spain claimed their fourth European Championship title by defeating England 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final held at the Olympiastadion on Sunday. Coach Luis de la Fuente celebrated the historic win and hinted at more success in the future, as Spain became the first team to win the European Championships four times.
Mikel Oyarzabal scored the decisive goal in the 86th minute, securing the win after Cole Palmer had equalized following Nico Williams’ opener. Spain’s impressive campaign saw them win all seven matches without needing penalties, setting a tournament record with 15 goals.
Throughout the tournament, Spain overcame defending champions Italy, hosts Germany, and pre-tournament favorites France and England. Despite being considered underdogs a month ago, De la Fuente always believed in his team’s potential.
“It’s not that I thought we were favorites, but I felt we were in a position to win the tournament, and we have done,” De la Fuente said in a news conference. “It’s hard to improve on what we have done here, but this group can keep growing because they do not tire of hard work, competing, and trying to win. I am proud of them and happy about the excitement we have generated back home. These players have made history and still have a long way to go.”
Spain now surpasses Germany, who have won three European Championships, with Spain winning the tournament three times since 2008.
Midfielder Rodri, who was substituted at half-time due to injury, reflected on the achievement and paid tribute to the previous generation that won the competition in 2008 and 2012, as well as the World Cup in 2010.
“What a day, probably the best of my sporting career,” Rodri told reporters. “We are the most decorated side in the European Championships. There has been talk about the previous generations that laid the path for us, and now we are champions of Europe. It’s an incredible day for everyone. We have made history. We have beaten four past World Cup winners along the way. The mentality of this team… many of us have been European champions at youth level, and now we are champions of Europe.”
