Berlin (Germany), July 11: England will face Spain in the UEFA Euro Final on Sunday.
In the keenly contested second semi-final, here between England and the Netherlands on Wednesday, it was English men who held their nerves and had the last smiles. It would be England's second consecutive Euro Final.
England's substitute Ollie Watkins was hero of English victory over the resilient Netherlands in the battle of equals.
But the Dutch scored the first goal of the match in the 17th minute. Ronald Koeman's men got off to the perfect start when Xavi Simons got past England defence and netted a right-footed shot past England's goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
However, the Dutch advantage did not last long. Just a minute after, England veteran Harry Kane converted a foul-play penalty following a VAR review to a goal. The score-line was levelled at 1-1.
The Dutch did try their level best to breach the English defence and score one more goal. But the alert English defenders foiled every move of the desperate Netherlands's forwards.
Hero of the English victory Ollie Watkins in the post match interaction stated that he was not sure if he would play at a Euro 2024 for England. But it was hard work and perseverance which made it possible. He promised to keep doing his level best for England in every opportunity he gets.
Earlier, in the first semi-final, Spain beat formidable France to book a place in the victory.
For the Spaniards, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal become the youngest goal-scorer in the Euro history. He brought back Spain to the match scoring the equaliser in the 21st minute. Yamal broke the record at the age of just 16 years and 362 days.
Prior to Yamal, the record of youngest gal sorer in the Euro was Switzerland’s Johan Vonlathen, who in 2004 was 18 years and 141 days old, when he scored a goal against France as well.
Coincidentally, Lamine Yamal is also the youngest player to feature in the Euros and is going to turn 17 on July 13.
He also became the youngest player to score a goal in the Euros or the FIFA World Cup.
Brazil soccer legend Pele was 17 years and 239 days old when he scored his first goal for Brazil in the World Cup. Spain supporters however expect Yamal to carry on his good work and fashion another title victory for Spain in Euo 2024 Final on Sunday.
