The EURO 2024 final is likely to go to a penalty shootout, as both Spain and England are evenly matched.
EURO 2024 Final: First time for England or Spanish attacking football to win?
Equal final
The EURO 2024 final will take place at 2:00 a.m. on July 15 at the Olympic Stadium (Berlin, Germany), between Spain and England. While Spain has the strongest attack in the tournament with 13 goals, England is the team with the most comebacks with 2 times, both in the knockout round. This is expected to be a very balanced final, as both teams have their own strengths and can counter each other.
Spain wins all 6 matches on the way to EURO 2024 final
AFP
In the last 6 EURO finals, 5 matches ended with a maximum difference of 1 goal. Specifically, in the EURO 2000 final, France beat Italy thanks to a golden goal in extra time by David Trezeguet (1-1 draw in 90 minutes). In the EURO 2004 final, Greece beat Portugal 1-0 to write a legendary story in Lisbon. In the EURO 2008 final, the score 1-0 appeared again. This time, Spain beat Germany to open a glorious cycle with 2 EURO championships and 1 World Cup title. In the EURO 2016 final, Portugal beat France also 1-0 in Paris to win the historic European championship. In EURO 2020, England and Italy drew 1-1 in 120 minutes, then Italy won a thrilling penalty shootout to be crowned king. The only exception was in the EURO 2012 final, when Spain beat Italy 4-0. However, this big score was due to the huge difference between the two teams. At the same time, Italy quickly broke down and could not defend. This difference is unlikely to happen in the final match on the morning of July 15, when Spain and England are evenly matched, both have many stars capable of deciding the situation. If Spain attacks effectively thanks to a smooth midfield and a good attacking line, England defends well, possessing a lot of experience in all three lines.
It is not easy to beat England.
AFP
Spain and England also have something in common, that is, each match in the knockout round has conceded 1 goal. Specifically, Spain beat Georgia (4-1), Germany (2-1) and France (2-1) with the same goal. Similarly, England also beat Slovakia (2-1), Switzerland (1-1 draw, 5-3 win on penalties) and the Netherlands (2-1) when conceding first. In the final, the score of 1-1 is likely to repeat itself in 90 minutes, even 120 minutes. With the special importance of the final, both teams will play tighter and more calculatingly, leading to the match being more likely to have few goals scored.
Late goal likely
In a balanced and unpredictable match, there is a high possibility of a late goal in the final. Spain beat Germany thanks to Mikel Merino's goal at the end of the second half of extra time. On the English side, Jude Bellingham (against Slovakia) and Ollie Watkins (against the Netherlands) scored in the second half's injury time. Spain and England both have good squad depth, with exceptional players on the bench, who can penetrate a crowded defense. Their persistent fighting spirit is also the driving force that brought both teams to the EURO 2024 final, defeating many strong teams.
Coach De la Fuente built a fighting Spanish team.
AFP
Coupled with the careful calculations of both teams, an early goal in the final is unlikely. The match in Berlin is likely to be decided only by the calculations from the bench of the two coaches Gareth Southgate and Luis de la Fuente. If a penalty shootout is required, England will have a slight advantage. The "Three Lions" defeated Switzerland on penalties at EURO 2024, and also had a painful lesson against Italy in the final 3 years ago. Coincidentally, the last time Spain had to play a penalty shootout, this team also lost to Italy at EURO 2020. Coach De la Fuente and his team need to carefully prepare the scenario to decide the match on the lucky spot.
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