Spain emerged as the deserving champions of the European Championships this summer, surpassing the expectations of favorites like England and France. The Spanish team made a strong statement in their opening match against Croatia, securing a resounding 3-0 victory. This set the tone for their fairytale journey throughout the tournament.
Their triumph was sealed with a hard-fought 2-1 win against England in the final, which was filled with emotional moments. Spain’s flawless record of seven wins in all their EURO 24 appearances and the numerous records they broke along the way further solidify their status as worthy winners.
For England, it was yet another heartbreak in a major final. After suffering a devastating penalty shootout loss to Italy in the previous European Championships, they were determined to go one step further this time. However, their dreams were shattered once again with a 2-1 defeat to Spain. The English team failed to live up to expectations, lacking fluidity and failing to capitalize on the talents of players like Harry Kane, Phil Foden, and Jude Bellingham.
France, the reigning world champions, also had a disappointing campaign. Despite being tipped as strong contenders for the European crown, they struggled to make an impact. Their lack of clinical edge in the final third proved to be their downfall, and they crashed out in the semi-finals with a 2-1 loss to Spain. The only goal they managed to score from open play was a consolation strike.
Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo in what would be his final European tournament, also faced frustration. They were eliminated in the quarter-finals after a penalty shootout defeat against France. Ronaldo himself struggled to find the net and left the tournament without scoring a goal. The decision to stick with the aging superstar proved to be detrimental to Portugal’s performance.
Belgium, considered to have a golden generation of players, suffered another disappointment on the international stage. After a disastrous World Cup campaign in Qatar, they entered the European Championships with high expectations. However, they could only manage one victory in their four matches and were eliminated early on. The future of some of their key players, including Jan Vertonghen and Kevin De Bruyne, remains uncertain.
Overall, Spain’s triumph and their dominant performance throughout the tournament make them worthy winners. The disappointments faced by England, France, Portugal, and Belgium highlight the unpredictability and competitiveness of international football.
