In the wake of a dramatic Euro 2024 final, Spanish defender Marc Cucurella has taken a moment to address comments made by former footballer Gary Neville. Neville, who had previously expressed doubts about Cucurella’s performance and Spain’s overall capabilities, suggested that the Spaniard’s inclusion in the starting lineup was questionable given his inconsistent form at Chelsea. This remark came ahead of the highly anticipated final where Spain clinched a thrilling 2-1 victory over England at the Olympiastadion Berlin.
The encounter saw goals from Spain’s Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal, with England’s lone goal coming from super substitute Cole Palmer. The victory marked a significant achievement for Spain as they claimed their fourth Euro title, leaving England to face the bitter disappointment of losing in the final for the second consecutive tournament.
Reflecting on the match, Neville had said in an interview with ITV, “We didn’t think he’d play. He’s not been convincing at Chelsea. There’s something just missing from Spain that makes you feel like they aren’t going to go all the way, and I have to say, him being at left-back is another example of why we think that.”
However, Cucurella, responding to these critiques, took to social media to deliver a measured yet pointed reply. “We went all the way Gary. Thank you for your support,” Cucurella wrote on his Instagram story, reinforcing the success his team had achieved despite the skepticism cast upon them.
Spain’s triumph in the final did not come easily. England struggled to keep possession throughout the game, a factor that played significantly in their loss. England only managed to control 34% of the ball, with Spain dominating with 66%. This discrepancy in possession allowed Spain to execute their strategy effectively, racking up 16 shots with six on target, compared to England’s nine shots, four of which were on target.
The first half of the match saw both teams exhibiting strong defensive performances, each managing just one shot on target.
. The balance was shattered early in the second half when a spectacular piece of play by Lamine Yamal on the right flank set up Nico Williams in open space, allowing Williams to effortlessly slot the ball into the back of the net and put Spain ahead.
England managed to equalize in the 73rd minute with a first-time shot, demonstrating a fleeting glimpse of control in the game. However, Neville himself conceded after the match that England’s inability to maintain control could have seen them fall further behind before they managed to draw level.
As the clock ticked down, Mikel Oyarzabal emerged as the hero for Spain, poking the ball into the net in the 86th minute to seal the victory. The goal underscored the resilience and clinical nature of the Spanish squad, countering any narrative that they were in any way lacking.
Neville’s remarks before the match had cast a spotlight not just on Cucurella but also on the broader Spanish strategy and lineup decisions. His comments suggested that Spain might struggle to impose themselves against top-tier opposition without certain key elements. This narrative, however, was firmly dispelled by Spain’s performance on the grand stage of European football.
Spain’s victory offered a silver lining to what had been considered a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign overall. For England, the defeat marked a historical note as they became the first team to lose in the finals for two consecutive tournaments. This outcome has placed additional scrutiny on the team’s strategy and management, stirring discussions on what changes are necessary to finally secure a major international title.
In addition to rejoicing in their victory, the Spanish team also reflected on their journey throughout the tournament. Despite the challenges faced and the criticisms leveled against them, they managed to emerge as champions, showcasing the depth of talent and tenacity within the squad. Cucurella’s retort to Neville encapsulated this sentiment perfectly, underscoring the triumph and resilience of La Roja.
As the dust settles on Euro 2024, fans and analysts alike are left to ponder the unpredictability and drama that football endlessly provides. Spain’s victory serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of believing in one’s abilities, even in the face of doubt and criticism.
