BERLIN (AP) — The European Championship final between Spain and England has started, with much of the focus on a teenage prodigy and whether one of the world's most underachieving teams can end its decades-long wait for a title.
The match began at Berlin's Olympiastadion on Sunday after an electronic-themed closing ceremony featuring robotic dance moves from white-clad performers and fiery pyrotechnics. It was being attended by Prince William, Spain's King Felipe, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Keir Starmer, Britain’s new prime minister.
Spain was bidding to win the Euros for a record fourth time, breaking a tie with Germany/West Germany, and for the first time since 2012. The team's new superstar is winger Lamine Yamal, who turned 17 on Saturday and is the youngest player ever to have appeared and scored at the European Championship.
Defenders Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand returned to the starting lineup after suspensions for Spain, with Yamal part of the front three.
The only change to England's team saw Luke Shaw return at left back, in place of Kieran Trippier, for his first start for club or country since February.
England, which lays claim to be the birthplace of soccer, hasn't won a major men's title since the 1966 World Cup and that was on home soil. This was the team's second straight European Championship final, having lost in a penalty shootout in the title match to Italy three years ago.
“We want to give everyone the night of their lives,” England coach Gareth Southgate said before kickoff.
The teams took different paths to the showpiece being held at the 71,000-seat stadium built for the 1936 Olympic Games and which hosted the 2006 World Cup final featuring Zinedine Zidane's infamous headbutt.
Spain has won all six of its matches and is widely regarded as the best team at Euro 2024, having seen off Germany and France in the knockout stage. England was unimpressive in the group stage and has shown resilience in coming from behind in all three of its knockout-stage games.
In downtown Berlin, England fans vastly outnumbered those from Spain, gathering in large numbers in front of the Brandenburg Gate and other popular locations, singing and drinking beer.
Chants of “God save our King,” “Hey Jude” — after England midfielder Jude Bellingham — and “Football’s coming home" could be heard from England supporters beside the Spree River.
Spain already had an early win Sunday, with Carlos Alcaraz capturing his second straight Wimbledon men's singles title by beating Novak Djokovic.
Alcaraz was asked about the Euro 2024 final in an interview on Centre Court, and the crowd started booing.
“I’ve already done my job,” he said, smiling, “so let’s see the football.”
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Teams:
Spain: Unai Simón, Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella, Fabián Ruiz, Rodri, Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Álvaro Morata.
England: Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Luke Shaw, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Harry Kane.
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AP sports writer Ciaran Fahey in Berlin contributed to this report.
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AP Euro 2024: https://apnews.com/hub/euro-2024
