Spain and England. Two giants of modern-day football with captivating history in the sport have often been on collision course in club football. But for the first time the two nations will cross swords in a major men’s international final. The two countries have a storied past in major tournament finals, with moments of glory and heartbreak that have shaped their footballing identities.
We delve into the final stages of their journeys, examining how each country has fared in these pivotal matches.
England’s Triumphs and Trials in Major Finals
1966 FIFA World Cup: England’s Moment of Glory
The 1966 FIFA World Cup stands as the pinnacle of achievement for English football. Heldon home soil, this tournament offered England a chance to showcase their footballing prowess. Managed by Sir Alf Ramsey, the English team faced West Germany in a dramatic final at Wembley Stadium. The match ended in a 4-2 victory after extra time, with Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick becoming the stuff of legend. This victory remains England’s sole World Cup triumph, a moment of national pride that continues to resonate with fans.
2020 European Championship: A Heartbreaking Defeat
Decades later, the 2020 UEFA European Championship offered a glimmer of hope for English football fans. The final, hosted at Wembley again, saw England face Italy. Despite a valiant effort and an early lead from Luke Shaw, the match ended 1-1, with Italy clinching victory in the penalty shootout. This loss marked a poignant moment for a generation yearning for success after years of underachievement.
Spain’s Major Final Appearances
1964 UEFA European Championship: Spain’s First Major Triumph
Hosts Spain won their first major title under Coach José Villalonga by beating reigning champions Soviet Union 2-1 in the final at Madrid’s Estádio Santiago Bernabéu on 21 June 1964. Jesús María Pereda gave the Spaniards a sixth-minute lead (the earliest Euro final goal to date), but Galimzyan Khusainov levelled swiftly and there was little to choose between the sides until Marcelino met Pereda’s cross for the 84th-minute winner.
1984 UEFA European Championship: A Host Nation Triumph
On June 27, 1984, France became the first host nation to win the expanded UEFA European Championship, defeating Spain 2-0 at Paris’s Parc des Princes. Michel Platini broke the deadlock with his ninth goal of the tournament, a record that still stands today, when Spain’s goalkeeper Luis Arconada fumbled his free-kick into the net. Despite Yvon Le Roux’s late red card, France sealed their victory with a goal from Bruno Bellone.
2008 UEFA European Championship: Spain’s Resurgence
Spain emerged victorious against Germany in the Euro 2008 final on June 29 in Vienna, with Fernando Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 33rd minute. Dominating the game, Spain had seven shots on target, while Germany managed just one. Despite David Villa missing the final due to injury, he ended the tournament as the top scorer with four goals.
2010 FIFA World Cup: Spain’s Ultimate Glory
Spain’s formidable team, featuring stars like Sergio Ramos, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and David Villa, overcame an initial group-stage defeat by Switzerland to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup. They reached the final with narrow 1-0 victories over Portugal, Paraguay and Germany. In a dramatic final against the Netherlands in Johannesburg, Iniesta scored the winning goal in extra time, securing Spain’s first World Cup triumph.
2012 UEFA European Championship: Unmatched Dominance
Spain confirmed their international dominance by defeating Italy 4-0 in the Euro 2012 final on July 1 at Kyiv’s Olimpiyskiy Stadium. This emphatic win marked their third consecutive major tournament victory, following Euro 2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. David Silva opened the scoring, followed by goals from Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata, cementing Spain’s place in football history.
2023 UEFA Nations League Win: Spain’s Comeback
Spain won the 2023 UEFA Nations League Final by defeating Croatia in a tense penalty shootout at the Ronator Arena in Rotterdam on 18 June 2023. After a goalless 120 minutes, Spain emerged victorious in the shootout 5-4. Unai Simón made a crucial save from Lovro Majer’s penalty, while Dani Carvajal converted the decisive spot-kick for La Roja.
