Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal snatched a dramatic late winner as Spain edged England 2-1 in a thrilling Euro 2024 final in Berlin on Sunday.

The game seemed destined for extra time, but Oyarzabal, the Real Sociedad attacker, met Marc Cucurella’s cross in the 86th minute to beat a previously impressive Jordan Pickford in the England goal. Pickford had made two crucial saves late in the second half, denying Lamine Yamal on both occasions.

This defeat adds to England’s recent heartbreak in major tournaments, having also lost the Euro 2021 final to Italy on penalties.

While history favored England with two past victories over Spain (a penalty shootout win in the 1996 quarter-final and a group stage win in Euro 1980), Spain entered the final in dominant form, winning all six of their matches leading up to the clash. England, on the other hand, managed four wins, with two coming via penalties.

Spain showcased their dominance early, controlling possession and putting England under immense pressure. However, the high stakes resulted in a cagey first half with only one shot on target – a Phil Foden effort in stoppage time.

The second half saw Spain create the first real chance, with Nico Williams scoring a well-placed low shot past Pickford after a brilliant layoff from Yamal in the 47th minute. Yamal and Williams, who often switched roles, were Spain’s standout performers throughout the tournament. Dani Olmo nearly doubled their lead shortly after, but his close-range shot went wide.

England, initially passive, needed a change in strategy as Spain continued to control the game, even after a surprising substitution that saw influential midfielder Rodri, who was named Player of the Tournament, withdrawn before the second half began.

With their initial tactics failing, England coach Gareth Southgate turned to his bench, replacing captain Harry Kane with semi-final hero Ollie Watkins. However, it was Spain who nearly extended their lead when Pickford acrobatically denied Yamal’s curling effort.

England finally found their equalizer in the 73rd minute. Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer curled a brilliant shot past Unai Simon at the far post after being set up by Jude Bellingham. This marked England’s third consecutive comeback from behind in the Euros.

Yamal, who was named Young Player of the Tournament at 17 years and one day old, had another chance to put Spain ahead with a curling attempt, but Pickford produced another exceptional save to keep England in the game.

Just as the match seemed destined for extra time, Cucurella delivered a perfect cross for Oyarzabal, who stretched to meet it and secure Spain’s fourth European Championship title. The victory extends England’s wait for their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.

Yamal became the youngest player to appear in either a UEFA EURO or FIFA World Cup final, aged 17 years and one day, breaking Pelé’s record from the 1958 World Cup final for Brazil against Sweden (17 years, 249 days). Spain coach Luis de la Fuente becomes the first manager to win the Under-19 Euros, Under-21 Euros, Nations League and European Championship.