Euro 2024 Review: Spain Reign Supreme

It was heartbreak once again for England fans after their second consecutive defeat in a European Final. Italy were victorious over England in 2021 but it was Spain this time who pierced a dagger through English hearts late in the game to become Euro 2024 Champions. It was a tournament that witnessed scintillating football and an astonishing amount of wonder goals keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Here at Engage we break down the tournament, picking out some of the key players and performances.

La Roja Victoriosa

After a 12 year trophy drought, and what some would say was a transition period, Spain are Kings of Europe once again. This team of exciting young talent battled their way to victory flawlessly winning all seven of their games throughout the tournament beating Germany, Italy and France along the way.

On Sunday, it was only England who stood in their way, as Europe settled down to witness the battle commence. In what was a cagey first half, both sides were level at the break. But it was Spain who had the better of the half-time team talks as Luis de la Fuente’s men came out firing. Breaking the deadlock in the 47th minute courtesy of a sublime Nico Williams finish, England had work to do. Spain came close numerous times in the moments that followed, however, it was Gareth Southgate’s England who hit back when substitute Cole Palmer fired home with just over 15 minutes to play.

With the game heading for extra time, the Spaniards had other plans, as Mikel Oyarzabal slotted home in the 86th minute to shatter English hearts. Agony for England, delirium for Spain as La Roja were crowned champions of Europe once again.

Star Players

Across the course of the tournament, there were some incredible performances not only for teams but also individuals. For much of the tournament it was the Spanish side with individuals making a name for themselves. Lamine Yamal in particular, who turned 17 years old one day before the final, is a name that will be on the radar of many of Europe’s top clubs. The talented winger made history becoming the youngest player to appear at a European tournament at 16 years and 338 days old. He was also the youngest player to score in a European tournament with his wonder strike in the semi-final against France. Not to mention, his brilliant performances and four assists, he was key to Spain’s success.

On the other side of the pitch for Spain, Nico Williams also impressed throughout the tournament playing a key role in the final, scoring and assisting both goals. Williams, Yamal, the Spanish midfield and Marc Cucurella were also included in the Team of the Tournament further crediting their influence on their team’s victory.

Elsewhere, Liverpool striker Cody Gakpo impressed, scoring 3 goals helping The Netherlands to the last four before being eliminated by England. Germany and Bayern Munich midfielder, Jamal Musiala, was on form as well, scoring 3 goals in five making his way into the Team of the Tournament.

Dark Horses

Just as there were players who left their mark on the rest of Europe, some sides raised a few eyebrows, advancing further in the tournament than first thought. Denmark were desperately unlucky as they were knocked out in the Round of 16. After believing they had opened the scoring against Germany, which was ruled out by VAR, Germany were then awarded a controversial penalty to break the deadlock 2 minutes later. This was before Musiala added a second to seal Denmark’s fate.

In their first appearance at the tournament, Georgia surprised a few people by progressing to the Round of 16 after a shock victory over Portugal, as Georges Mikautadze and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia provided the goals. In their debut tournament, they recorded five goals, also opening the scoring against Spain in the Round of 16 before being knocked out by the eventual champions.

After an extremely disappointing Euro 2020 losing all of their group games, Turkey were back and eager to make amends in 2024. They did so by winning two of their group games to qualify for the last 16 where they beat Austria. Vincenzo Montella’s side scored first in the quarter final before they were beaten by the Netherlands to end their semi-final dreams, recording their best finish since EURO 2008.

So another thrilling tournament has passed us by, who were you surprised by? How do you think the 2026 World Cup will play out now? With international football all year round and domestic football just around the corner, check out Engage Hospitality’s fantastic offers to watch every kick of the season from the best seats in the house.

All Posts

Share this

• 
• 
•