The Spanish national team's victory in the European Championship on Sunday night had the entire nation on edge until the final whistle, when the streets erupted with cheers and car horns as jubilant fans celebrated the win. Millions of Spaniards were glued to their TVs and gathered around large screens in major cities, as the national team secured a 2-1 victory over England with a late goal.
The country was awash with loud cheers as Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal scored the goals that earned Spain its fourth European Championship title. 'Yes, yes, the cup is here,' chanted fans in Madrid's Colon square, a traditional spot for celebrating national team triumphs. In Mataro, the hometown of teenage star Lamine Yamal, fans were thrilled to see him assist Williams. 'It's a matter of pride, we're very lucky because he is the MVP of Spain!,' Ana, 18, told Reuters.
Pre-match expectations were high as Luis de la Fuente's team displayed confidence, talent, unity, and exceptional skills on the pitch, leading them to the finals. Spain faced a rapidly improving England team, which had started the tournament sluggishly but rallied to compete fiercely until the end. The Spanish joy stood in stark contrast to the disappointment of the numerous English fans who had gathered in tourist spots like Benidorm to watch the match.
Football was the sole topic of conversation in Spain over the weekend, with balconies adorned with national flags, streets filled with red football jerseys, and bars brimming with enthusiasm. Spain's last appearance in the Euro final was twelve years ago, when they defeated Italy 4-0 to claim their third tournament title. Spanish soccer fan, Ana Isabel Huete, remarked, 'Yes, they played better than any team, better than anyone else, it was extraordinary.'
