How football nearly came home in 2024
We are going to start exploring some of the biggest stories from 2024
Here we will examine how England nearly achieved glory in Euro 2024 and how Spain reached the pinnacle of European international football once again.
A closer look at the final: England 1 - 2 Spain
Gareth Southgate's team suffered heartbreak once again, falling to a late goal by Mikel Oyarzabal, which left them unable to end the long wait for success for the men's team in a second consecutive European Championship final.
Spain took the lead just two minutes into the second half when Lamine Yamal set up Nico Williams, who beat England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with a powerful low shot.
Cole Palmer briefly revived hopes of a comeback with a composed left-footed strike in the 73rd minute. However, Spain ultimately clinched victory, as Oyarzabal converted Marc Cucurella's cross four minutes from time, leaving England once again as the nearly men.
How did Spain and England reach the final?
England 2 - 1 Netherlands
The Three Lions looked like they would be facing extra time for the third successive game after Harry Kane's first-half penalty equalised a stunning early strike from Xavi Simon.
However, there was to be a dramatic twist. A superb late strike on the turn from the substitute Watkins sent England into their second successive European Championship final on a fantastic night in Dortmund.
England 1 - 1 Switzerland
England win 5-3 on penalties
Trent Alexander-Arnold fired home the winning penalty after Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Ivan Toney had all kept their composure.
Spain 2 - 1 Germany
Spain kept their dreams of a fourth European Championship alive with a dramatic 119th-minute goal from Mikel Merino, sending them into the semi-finals and knocking out hosts Germany in a thrilling match at Stuttgart Arena.
This eagerly anticipated clash saw a resurgent Germany face off against one of the most exciting teams in Spain. It did not disappoint.
Spain 4 - 1 Georgia
The 2008 and 2012 winners secured a highly anticipated quarter-final clash with hosts Germany by overcoming an early own goal to defeat Georgia 4-1 decisively.
Spain and Germany have been standout teams in Euro 2024, and they are now set to face each other in the last eight in Stuttgart.
Spain secure quarter-final spot against Germany
England 2 - 1 Slovakia
Jude Bellingham saved England from an early exit in Euro 2024 against Slovakia on Sunday with a breathtaking equaliser in the 95th minute.
Harry Kane then secured their place in the quarterfinals with a winner early in extra time, sealing a 2-1 victory.
And... #England lead 2-1. https://t.co/5IqdqqB5uc https://t.co/T2ASyb7tCb
— European Super Football (@ESFootballNews) June 30, 2024
England leave it late against Slovakia
England 0 - 0 Slovenia
Gareth Southgate's squad showed some improvement compared to their dismal performance against Denmark, yet it still fell short of justifying their status as pre-tournament favourites.
During this match, England struggled with creativity in a group where no team scored more than one goal in any game, marking a first in the competition's history.
England group winners but questions remain
Albania 0 - 1 Spain
Spain maintained their 100% record at Euro 2024 by defeating and eliminating Albania from the tournament.
The former Manchester City forward Ferran Torres, now playing for Barcelona, gave a much-changed Spain side the lead in the 13th minute. He finished low first time from Dani Olmo's pass, with the ball bouncing in off the post.
You can watch the highlights of the match in the video below. The footage is from the ITV Sport YouTube account.
Spain 1 - 0 Italy
Spain secured their spot in the last 16 of Euro 2024 with a scintillating performance against defending champions Italy in Gelsenkirchen.
Two European giants meeting in the group stage of the tournament meant there were high hopes and it lived up to its billing with an electric opening half. Spain delivered most of the eye-catching play, moving the ball around beautifully with intensity and creativity, while Italy succeeded in keeping them out - but only just.
Spain secure spot in the last 16
England 1 - 1 Denmark
England wasted the chance to secure their place in the Euro 2024 knockout stages as Group C winners after a draw against Denmark in Frankfurt.
Harry Kane scored in his fourth successive major tournament to give England an 18th-minute lead. Still, Denmark soon got an equaliser they deserved when Morten Hjulmand struck a thunderous 25-yard equaliser after 34 minutes.
Phil Foden struck the post after the break and, while England are still at the head of their group, they must deliver vast improvements in their final group game against Slovenia.
England 1 - 0 Serbia
Jude Bellingham inspired England to the start they hoped for at Euro 2024, netting the winning goal and delivering a stellar performance in their victory over Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.
His dream season continued, after clinching the Champions League in his debut campaign with Real Madrid, he showcased why he’s seen as England's latest superstar. The 20-year-old rose magnificently to meet Bukayo Saka's deflected cross with a powerful header after 13 minutes, earning Gareth Southgate's side an early lead.
Read more: England battle to win against Serbia
Spain 3 - 0 Croatia
Spain kicked off their campaign for a fourth European Championship in spectacular fashion, securing a convincing win against Croatia in Berlin.
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