3 minute read
Spain aims to become the first nation to win the Euros for a fourth time in a mouth-watering final against England, who plays a major final on foreign soil for the first time.
Both sides came from 1-0 down early on in their semis to record 2-1 victories to advance.
Spain was on the back foot early against France until a much-lauded wonder goal from a wonder kid in Lamine Jamal changed the vibe of the match. A less spectacular but just as skilful second from Dani Olmo put the Spaniards ahead and from then they were clearly the better side.
They may be fortunate that the real Mbappe didn't show up this month – his scoring opportunity deep into the second half would have been netted eight times out of ten if he was on-song.
In the end, their poise and class prevailed and they became the first team to make a Euro final by winning every lead-up match.
The fulcrum of most of what they do is Rodri. He is a laconic influence with immense passing skills and an uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time. His ability break down opposition attacks, whether legally or through the dark arts, is unparalleled. Remarkably, he has started 58 matches for club and country in the 23/24 season and has lost just one – the FA Cup Final.
Carvajal returns in the right back position which is a huge tick. Curiously, the French seemed more intent on exploiting Spain down their left defensive side which didn't capitalise on his absence in the semi-final.
England went behind early but were the dominant force in the first 45 minutes of their match against The Netherlands.
The turning point however was the atrocious decision to award a penalty to England after Kane's swinging boot collided with Dumfries who was attempting a block on the English captain's shot. No doubt, had the score been 1-0 at half-time, we would have seen a far more nervous England after the break (remember the Slovenian game).
Instead, at 1-1, they controlled possession for most of the second half and the Dutch sat back. The introduction of Watkins and Palmer was crucial as they combined to produce an outstanding winner in the 90th minute.
Kane for mine doesn't look 100% and Watkins would cause Spain far more problems – but Southgate won't be dropping his captain.
England has now gone behind in its last three games. Escapes against Slovakia in the 95th minute, Switzerland in the 80th, and The Netherlands in the 90th, has seen them somehow survive.
They won't want to give Spain a lead.
The last time these nations met in a major tournament was way back in 1996 at the Euros, when England won on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
Spain has been the benchmark right from the word go in this tournament. They are a side with the perfect blend of experience and youthful swagger. It will take a major reversal in form for the Three Lions to get over the top of this seemingly immoveable object.
The game kicks off at 5.00am AEST Monday 15 July 2024.
Prediction: Fulltime result - Spain to win at $2.45* with bet365.
Suggested wager
To date we have outlaid 38 units for a return of 64. A 6-unit investment on Spain to win the tournament at $3.50 is still alive.
In the final, back Spain to win 1-0: 2 units at $7.00* with bet365.
*Odds correct at 10.20am Friday 12 July 2024.
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