While Spain's brilliant youngsters led the team throughout the European Championship, it was up to a player who has seen the hard side of football to secure the title.
Mikel Oyarzabal was activated as a substitute in the second half and scored the winning goal for the champion, Spain. He scored in the 86th minute for a 2:1 victory in Sunday's final against England.
"I don't know if it was fate or something else. But something put me in that position to score that goal," said Oyarzabal.
Real Sociedad's 27-year-old Oyarzabali was a regular in Spain under Luis de la Fuentes and the coach before him, Luis Enrique. Not a flashy player, Oyarzabal is prized for his speed in space, work ethic and as a calm penalty taker.
But when he was due to feature at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Oyarzabal was dealing with an injury that kept him out for several months.
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"After the injury I'm lucky to feel this great satisfaction, knowing what I've been through. I am extremely happy and proud", said Oyarzabal.
"I scored the winning goal, but each of my teammates was able to do this. We were here for 45 days, we gave everything and felt like a family".
Oyarzabali was one of five Sociedad players in the Spain squad which was a mix of players from many teams and was not dominated by Barcelona or Real Madrid. Youngsters Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams were Spain's star players at the European Championships in Germany.
Another Sociedad player, Mikel Merino, came on as a substitute and scored the winning goal against Germany in the quarter-finals.
As on several other occasions during the European Championship, coach De la Fuente activated Oyarzabal instead of Alvaro Morata in the 68th minute. His mission was to help preserve the lead created by Nico Williams' goal. But after Cole Palmer's equaliser, he had to lead the charge in the attempt for the second goal.
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Oyarzabal happy with the victory and the goal
And when Oyarzabal spotted Marc Cucurella making another run down the left flank, he slotted the ball past the Chelsea defender and headed in front. Cucurella made a perfect pass to Oyarzabali who successfully converted to make a place in Spain's history.
"I did my job and I was lucky enough to score the winning goal," said Oyarzabal.
"In the end, after going through such difficult times, just to be here among the 26 players is enough. And if you then get the chance to help, then you have to take it."
It was the 12th goal in 37 appearances for Spain since Oyarzabal made his debut in 2016. It was the only goal at Euro 2024, although he featured in all seven of Spain's matches. All ended in favor of the Spaniards.
The final goal joins Sociedad's 2020 Copa del Rey final winner against Athletic Bilbao as two of his career highlights.
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De la Fuente praised Oyarzabal for his contribution. They were together in Spain U19 and U23, before both moved to the Representative A.
"Mikeli is always a safe bet. We have been together for nine years and Mikel has never betrayed me. He can play on the wing and in the center of the attack, as in the final. This time he scored, but he always offers something for us", said De la Fuente.
