And now both of them! After a month of efforts, Spain and England will face each other tonight in the grand final of Euro 2024 (14/7, 22:00) as they aim to win the prestigious trophy.
Both teams have a completely different story from their progress in the competition. “Rocha” is the set that has won everyone’s sympathy on its way to its fourth Euro. Even those who considered “boring” the tiki-taka of the era when Spain was in the lead, they really accepted it this year because of the course and because of its performance.
Luis De La Fuente’s team found themselves in the group of… death and had a “walk” as they dismantled Croatia 3-0, beating Italy with an unfair 1-0 final, and “cleaning ” Albania 1-0 with their second line up. In the knockouts, they “swept” Georgia 4-1 and then ended two of the big favorites, hosts Germany (2-1, extra time) and France (2-1, regular time).
On the other hand, England had another run in the tournament, where they did not affect their performance. The … permanent disappointment of major competitions began very badly, and for the first time ever the enthusiasm of the people “disappeared” very quickly because of the image in the group. However, a combination of luck and individual talent led the “three lions” to the final, where they will claim the first Euro in their history and release from the “curse”.
Gareth Southgate’s side started with a 1-0 win over Serbia and two draws against Denmark (1-1) and Slovenia (0-0). In the knockouts they were almost finished by Slovakia and Bellingham saved with a scissor kick in stoppage time before the final 2-1, then they were almost finished by Switzerland and Saka first saved with a goal and then Pickford on penalties. , against the Netherlands they produced their only convincing performance, but again needed Watkins’ incredible goal in the 90′ to progress to the final.
Somehow, both teams are in the grand final of Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, where the new European champion will emerge.
Possible XIs:
Spain (De La Fuente, 4-3-3): Simon – Coucureya, Le Normand, Laporte, Carvajal – Rodri, Ruith, Olmo – Yamal, Williams, Morata.
England (Southgate, 3-4-2-1): Pickford – Gwehi, Walker, Stones – Shaw, Rice, Mainu, Saka – Foden, Bellingham – Kane.
Referee: Francois Letesier (France)