By Raymond Ebireri.
The Euro 2024 in Germany has reached its most crucial stage, with two teams left chasing the ultimate prize on the continent. Spain and England will lock horns at the Olympiastadion in Berlin in the final of Euro 2024 tomorrow, 14th July 2024, at 8pm Nigerian time.
La Roja of Spain, tipped as one of the tournament favourites, was drawn in Group B with Italy, Croatia, and Albania. They became the only team to record maximum points in the group stage, winning all three matches and progressing to the last 16, where they faced debutants Georgia. Despite conceding first, Spain emerged victorious with a 4-1 triumph, which set up a quarter-final clash with tournament hosts Germany. It ended 1-1 after regular time; however, La Roja needed a late extra-time goal from Mikel Merino to advance to the semis and send the hosts packing.
In the semi-final against France, youngster Lamine Yamal, the youngest player to ever feature at the Euros aged 16, shone brightly. His superb effort cancelled out France’s early lead before an own goal from Jules Koundé, following great work from Dani Olmo, sealed a 2-1 comeback win.
Meanwhile, the Three Lions of England have been far from impressive at this year’s Euros, although their semi-final triumph over the Netherlands proved to be their best game of the tournament so far. England topped Group C, two points ahead of runners-up Denmark, in what was the joint lowest-scoring group ever in the Euros competition. In spite of the dismal performance, England has now reached consecutive European Championship finals, a significant feat for Gareth Southgate. England has shown resilience and grit so far, producing comebacks to book a spot in the final.
An extra-time winner from captain Harry Kane secured a 2-1 win over Slovakia in the last 16, followed by a penalty shootout (5-3) victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals after a 1-1 draw in regular time. Then, in the semi-final, after going behind early on from a Xavi Simons strike, the Three Lions showed fighting spirit once more. Harry Kane slotted in a spot-kick to bring the game level before Ollie Watkins scored the crucial goal which sent England through, completing a 2-1 success over the Netherlands.
For head-to-head, both teams have faced off 27 times, with England boasting 14 wins to Spain’s 10, while they have shared the spoils three times. The last meeting came nearly six years ago in the Nations League, with Spain claiming a 2-1 win at Wembley, but England avenged that loss a month later with a 3-2 win in Seville.
Sunday’s mouthwatering encounter will be the first meeting between both teams in a senior men’s major final. Fans will be eagerly anticipating this epic football encounter.
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