.png)
Here. We. Go.
The 2024 European Championship Final will take place this Monday morning 5am (AEST) between favourites Spain ($2.45) and pre-tournament favourites England ($3.40). Both nations have taken different routes to the Final with Spain superb in every performance so far while England have scraped through by just doing enough. Come Monday, none of that matters – anything can happen in a European Championship Final.
Why Spain Will Win…
The only nation to win every game so far in the tournament, Spain lead the tournament in goals scored (13), attempts on target and total (37/108) and assists (10). Throw in three clean sheets and only three goals conceded throughout the tournament, Spain have demonstrated they have been the best nation at the tournament – especially when you consider:
· Topped the Group of Death finishing above Italy and Croatia
· Knocked out the hosts Germany
· Knocked out the third ranked nation in the world in France after being down 1-0
All eyes will be on their wide men (or kids) in Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams who have been superb this tournament and will have a major say in the outcome of the Final. Fabian Ruiz will go close to Player Of The Tournament especially if Spain win. Dani Olmo has been outstanding filling the gap of Pedri along with livewire Ferran Torres and with a backline rock solid led by Laporte – ‘La Roja’ deserve their favouritism and will be extremely hard to beat.
Why England Will Win…
Although being pre-tournament favourites, England have been disappointing in terms of their cohesion on the pitch especially when you consider the quality of their side. Getting out of jail against Slovakia, Switzerland and The Netherlands – all games they conceded first in – they have stumbled to the Final. However, there are some positives to take out of the tournament so far.
England are also unbeaten at the tournament with three wins and three draws. Their strength has been their ability to control and move the ball. They have attempted more passes than any other nation (3986) with the third highest rate of 90.3%. They also lead the way for free kicks taken (90). With Spain committing more fouls than any other nation, England might need to take their chances from the set piece.
Declan Rice holds the key in the middle. He has recovered more balls than any other player (41), won more tackles (14) and played more minutes than any other player (600 minutes). If he can plug that English midfield and prevent the threat from Ruiz, Olmo and co – then early balls inviting Saka, Foden and Bellingham into the game could be the key for the upset.
Key Takeaways…
The top five players who have played the longest minutes of the tournament are English players (Rice, Walker, Stones, Pickford, Bellingham). If you look at the Top 20, add another three English players (Saka, Kane, Fodden). Spain has 0 players in the Top 20.
This has to count for something with England working overtime to make the Final in unconvincing fashion. You can’t count them out considering their ability to hang into every match – but you know it will have to take something special from a Bellingham, Fodden and others to try and win this Final. Southgate had the balls to put Watkins on for Kane against The Netherlands – a masterstroke he will need to make again as he longs to prove the critics wrong and win England’s first major trophy in 58 years.
The smart money, however, is on Spain. The best team throughout the tournament with proven game winners throughout the tournament – not just reputation. Yamal has more assists than any other player and Olmo has been pivotal to Spain’s two previous wins. More goals, more attempts, more assists and no losses all this tournament – Spain are the best nation of Euro 2024 – but it will count for nothing if the Three Lions spoil the party.
SGM:
Spain To Win (Normal Time)
Dani Olmo (To Score Or Assist)
Over 3.5 Goals
Total = $12.50
Comments