Euro Final Time: Everything You Need to Know
The UEFA Euro 2024 final took place on Sunday, July 14th, kicking off at 9:00 PM Central European Time (CET). This translates to 3:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) and 12:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) for viewers in North America.
The match was held at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany. This iconic stadium, home to Hertha BSC, boasts a capacity of 71,000 and has hosted numerous significant events, including the 2006 FIFA World Cup final. The Olympiastadion also hosted three group stage matches, a round of 16 game, and a quarter-final during Euro 2024.
The Euro 2024 final was contested between Spain and England. Spain, already three-time European champions, aimed for their fourth title, while England sought their first major international trophy since the 1966 World Cup. This was England’s second consecutive appearance in a Euro final, having lost to Italy on penalties in the Euro 2020 final.
This was the first time the Olympiastadion in Berlin hosted a Euro final. While West Germany hosted the 1988 tournament, the final was held in Munich, where the Netherlands defeated the USSR 2-0. Germany, as the host nation in 2024, was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Spain.
François Letexier from France was the referee for the Euro 2024 final. He was assisted by his fellow countrymen Cyril Mugnier and Mehdi Rahmouni. The fourth official was Robert Harvey from Scotland, and the video assistant referee (VAR) was Jérôme Garcès, also from France.
Spain’s victory marked their fourth European Championship title, making them the most successful nation in the tournament’s history. Germany has appeared in six Euro finals, while Spain has now competed in five. This victory also cemented Spain’s dominance in international football, adding to their 2010 World Cup triumph.
Historically, host nations have had mixed fortunes in Euro finals. Spain (1964), Italy (1968), and France (1984) all won the tournament on home soil. However, Portugal (2004), France (2016), and England (2020) all lost in their respective finals as hosts.
The largest margin of victory in a Euro final was Spain’s 4-0 win over Italy in the Euro 2012 final held in Kyiv. This match showcased Spain’s tiki-taka style of play at its peak, overwhelming the Italian defense.
The highest-scoring Euro final was the 2-2 draw between West Germany and Czechoslovakia in 1976, which Czechoslovakia ultimately won 5-3 on penalties. The 4-0 Spain vs Italy final in 2012 also featured four goals, but was decided in regulation time.
Several players have achieved the rare feat of winning both the UEFA Champions League and the Euro in the same summer. In 2024, Dani Carvajal, Nacho, and Joselu of Real Madrid accomplished this double, adding their names to a prestigious list that includes legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suárez.
Numerous players have participated in multiple Euro finals. In 2024, several England players joined this group, having also played in the Euro 2020 final. Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the longest gap between final appearances, playing in the 2004 and 2016 finals.
The Euro final has been hosted in various cities across Europe. The 2024 final in Berlin marked the 17th edition of the tournament, with previous finals held in iconic stadiums like Wembley Stadium, the Stade de France, and the Parc des Princes. Each host city brings its unique atmosphere and cultural significance to the final match.
The official mascot for Euro 2024 was Albärt, a teddy bear designed to encourage children to engage in physical activity and sports. Albärt represented the playful spirit and inclusive nature of the tournament.