Spain’s national soccer team erupted in euphoria after a dramatic 2-1 victory over England secured their record fourth European Championship title on Sunday. Substitute Mikel Oyarzabal’s decisive goal in the 86th minute clinched the win at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.
Spain initially took the lead through Nico Williams early in the second half, but England’s Cole Palmer equalized, keeping the match on edge until Oyarzabal’s late strike sealed the triumph.
“Euphoric. All our people deserve it, we suffered a lot,” Williams remarked. “They had a good team, with players who can make the difference, but we countered their strengths and, in the end, we won the European Championship. We’re very happy.”
Lamine Yamal, who celebrated his 17th birthday just a day before the final, expressed his joy at being crowned European champion. “Very happy, and looking forward to coming back to Spain and celebrating with all the fans. It is really the best present there is,” Yamal said. “It’s a dream. When we were drawing, it was difficult; they pushed us hard. I don’t know what this team is made of, but we always come back, we always win.”
Oyarzabal, whose weak shot preceded England’s equalizer in the 73rd minute, redeemed himself with a brilliant sliding finish to dash England’s hopes. “I did what I had to do at every moment to try to help,” he said. “I was lucky enough to give us the victory. To have the moment to help as it has happened to me is the best. It happened to me, but it could have happened to anyone.”
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente was elated, calling his team one of the best in the world. “I couldn’t be happier. To see the fans, to see the players—a real team, European champions. I said I was proud, and today I am even prouder. It confirms what we are. For me, they are the best in the world, and today I confirmed that definition,” de la Fuente stated.
He also noted that the team is still striving for improvement. “There is always room for improvement—the virtue of this team is that we think we can be a little bit better,” he said.
