End of the wait or beginning of a new era? The European Championship final between Spain and England is highly explosive. France's national holiday could soon become one on the island.
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- England face Spain in the European Championship final on Sunday and are dreaming of their first major title since 1966.
- If things go well this time, July 14 could become in England what it has long been in France - a national holiday.
- Meanwhile, Spain could become the sole record holder ahead of Germany with a fourth European Championship title after 1964, 2008 and 2012.
- Spain's hopes also rest on super talent Lamine Yamal, who celebrated his 17th birthday on Saturday.
21,169 days of agonizing waiting should be enough. In the hunt for their first major trophy since 1966, England's footballers led by the untitled Harry Kane want to stop the previously unblemished Spaniards and turn Berlin into a sacred place of British footballing longing like Wembley was 58 years ago. "Just one more step and we'll be in the history books," said Bayern star Kane ahead of the eagerly awaited European Championship final on Sunday (21:00).
This final step is becoming an event of national significance on the island. It is not the fear of Spain's brilliant wing duo Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams or the fear of another bitter failure that characterizes the public image, but the dream of sporting redemption. While the Furia Roja are already dreaming of another era with a golden generation after Xavi and Andrés Iniesta, England would be happy to be able to celebrate just once at the end of such a tournament.
King Charles III is worried about the nation's blood pressure after three dramatic knockout matches. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has the people dreaming of a new national holiday in the event of a European Championship title. And the terminally ill former national team coach Sven-Göran Eriksson almost implores Gareth Southgate to "Do it for me, Bobby Robson and England".
The head coach, who only two and a half weeks ago was being pelted with beer cups and passionately booed, is on his way to becoming a football hero and is on the verge of the ultimate coronation in the Olympic Stadium. It can happen that quickly.
"26 football geniuses" for Spain
But the final opponent after a bumpy few weeks could not be bigger for England. Spain have undoubtedly been the team of this European Championship so far, knocking hosts Germany and top favorites France out of the tournament one after the other in thrilling matches. If coach Luis de la Fuente has his way, his team will not be able to stop celebrating on this last European Championship weekend.
Ball acrobat Williams' 22nd birthday on Friday will be followed on Saturday by a little party for super talent Yamal, who was desperate to turn 17 in Germany. On Sunday, Spain could then become the sole record holder ahead of Germany with their fourth European Championship title after 1964, 2008 and 2012. "I consider myself very lucky to be in charge of 26 footballing geniuses," enthused de la Fuente.
Yamal has only one wish for his birthday
"I'm very proud that the whole nation is celebrating us in Spain. We create this feeling of hope. People dream and are happy," said the 63-year-old about the professionals. This is especially true for teenager Yamal, who could also be his coach's grandson in terms of age. The huge hype following his historic dream goal in the semi-final increased once again. A photo of Yamal being bathed as a baby by superstar Lionel Messi has been running up and down the internet.
If Yamal becomes European champion with Spain on Sunday, he would be exactly half the age of football legend Messi when he won his first major title with Argentina. Unlike other youngsters his age, the FC Barcelona super kicker doesn't want a driver's license, expensive clothes or a games console for his special day. When asked about presents, he said: "Nothing, just win, win, win."
Southgate is also impressed by the new Furia Roja with their attacking verve, a lot of determination and Rodri as the boss in midfield. "We are playing against the best team in the tournament and we have one day less to prepare. But we're still here and we're fighting," said the 53-year-old, who wants to learn from his own mistakes at Euro 2021 and finally erase the shame of the final against Italy.
"We are facing the biggest possible test," said Southgate, who, according to the Telegraph, would like to offer him an extension until 2026. Regardless of the outcome of the final.
Lineker bans song line
It is true that the Three Lions have improved bit by bit at the European Championships. However, fundamental doubts remain about the team that has reached the next round three times after falling behind. Star striker Kane does not look 100 percent fit and has been substituted early three times recently. The decisive goals were scored by others such as joker Ollie Watkins, who came on for Kane in the semi-final.
Designated boss Bellingham looks completely overplayed. Despite a stroke of genius in the round of 16, the European Championship has not been his tournament so far. "We're tired, but this is a last-minute boost for our country and our history," said Bellingham, who is hoping for another silverware trophy after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid. And that at the age of 21.
Tens of thousands of English fans will travel to Berlin and sing the cult hit "Three Lions", which has been a familiar tune since the 1996 European Championship. National icon Gary Lineker doesn't want to hear any more of the legendary song line "Football's coming home" for the time being. "I'm banning that statement. It's been bad luck for so long," Lineker told the BBC.
If things go well this time, July 14 could become in England what it has long been in France - a national holiday. The years of pain, as the song goes, would be over.
From the idyll to the final
The two teams prepare for the final without much fanfare. Southgate had England complete the penultimate session before the final on Friday behind closed doors. The move to stay away from their own venues in an idyllic setting and enjoy as much peace and quiet as possible seems to have worked for both teams.
On Saturday, the Spaniards will travel from Donaueschingen near Lake Constance and the English from Blankenhain in Thuringia to the capital. Before leaving their accommodation for the last time after five weeks, Kane and Bellingham enjoyed some time in the hot pool in the wellness area of their luxury hotel. The plan is to head straight back to the island from Berlin - ideally with their first triumph after 58 years of gloom.
dpa
