BERLIN-. Uno is the best team in the tournament and is on the verge of a new era of success thanks to a promising youngster, a great midfield and a change of philosophy.
The other is a survivor who limps into the final with great moments, resilience and a criticised coach who will have another chance to end the country’s long wait for a major title.
The final of the Euro Cup between Spain and England It involves great narratives—but one stands out above the rest.
Inside the Olympiastadion, Lamine Yamal – a day after his 17th birthday – will attempt to cap his incredible debut as football’s next superstar by leading Spain to its first major trophy since 2008-12, when the nation won back-to-back Euro 2010 and World Cup titles.
Yamal has been the centre of attention at a tournament where the big names – Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and even Harry Kane for England – have all had disappointing performances. His three assists before the semi-finals left no doubt that he has promise, but it was his spectacular strike in the 2-1 win over France to advance to the final that made it clear that there is a new star here.
Although Yamal and winger Nico Williams offer the opening that the team has been lacking, their best weapon has been their midfield.
Rodri is perhaps the most effective player, Fabian Ruiz has been the linchpin of Spain’s success and Dani Olmo can be added to a midfield that England will struggle to contain.
Spain topped a group that included defending champion Italy and 2022 World Cup semi-finalist Croatia. They then eliminated Germany and France.
La Roja has six wins and that is why it is the favorite.
“They were the better team,” admitted England manager Gareth Southgate, “but we’re here and based on what we’ve shown so far we’ve got the same chance as them.”
Spain should not underestimate England, whose tenacity and character have been above their quality of play at Euro 2024.
Three years ago, England lost the final on penalties to Italy at home. Southgate’s side are back in the hunt for the title and, although they are underdogs, they have players capable of turning things around in Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Kane. Someone always comes up with a crucial goal – Bellingham’s stoppage-time equaliser against Slovakia in the last 16, Saka’s 80th-minute equaliser against Switzerland in the quarter-finals and even substitute Ollie Watkins’ 90th-minute equaliser against the Netherlands in the semi-final.
Who will rescue Southgate on Sunday?
“The English team have very decisive players up front who can do a lot of damage even when they are not playing very fluidly,” admitted Spanish defender Dani Vivian. “They have the class to have those flashes of talent in games.”
But the odds are high that Spain will win their seventh straight game to take a record fourth European Championship title.
Spain (1).jpg
AP Photo/Manu Fernandez
Source: AP
