By Siphesihle Dlamini
As I sit here in the quiet of my office, pen in hand and laptop aglow, my mind drifts to the swirling maelstrom of anticipation surrounding the Euro Finals clash between Spain and England this Sunday.
Oh, what a spectacle the Euros have been, with its twists and turns, its moments of glory and despair. To be honest, it has had me swept away by a tempest of emotions, a symphony of passion and my mind is racing towards the prowess set to unfold on the grand stage of the Olympiastadion in Berlin tonight.
The stage is set, the players are ready to inscribe their names in the annals of footballing history, and the echoes of past glories and near misses reverberate in the air like whispers of legends past. Spain, adorned in the crimson hues of ‘La Roja’, stands on the cusp of greatness, their path illuminated by the flickering flames of triumph that have guided them to this momentous occasion.
A decade since their last major tournament final, the Spanish Men Football team exudes a sense of rekindled fervour, a burning desire to reclaim their status as the monarchs of European football.
Their remarkable midweek 2-1 victory over France’s ‘Les Bleus’ propelled them towards the coveted fourth European title. The resplendent days of yore seem within grasp once more, as Spain, emboldened by a stellar record of six consecutive wins in this tournament – all achieved without the need for penalties – stand tall as the tournament’s top scorers with 13 goals to their name.
The Spaniards are also on the verge of becoming the first Men national team to finish the Euros as invincible. The echoes of their past triumphs in 1964, 2008, and 2012 reverberate through time, as they set their sights on becoming the first nation to clinch the Euro title four times.
On the opposing side of the pitch stands England, a team whose journey to the finals has been peppered with cliffhanger endings, resilient comebacks, and heart-stopping moments of sheer brilliance. From five flawless penalties to last-minute heroics like that last-minute Jude Bellingham overhead kick and the match-winning stunner by Ollie Watkins against the Netherlands, the Three Lions have carved a path to the finals that is as exhilarating as it is unpredictable.
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Yet, in the face of Spain’s well-oiled, free-scoring machine, I find it hard to envision England emerging victorious. The formidable prowess of La Roja, their history of dominance in European competitions, and their current form as a relentless goal-scoring powerhouse all point towards a coronation that seems destined to be theirs.
The question of who will cause England all the harm finds its resounding answer in the form of Lamine Yamal – a force of nature, a beacon of hope, and a symbol of the boundless potential that resides in the heart of a young talent on the brink of greatness.
Here is the rise of a young prodigy on the grand stage of the Euro Finals, the name that resonates with a reverberating echo of potential and promise is none other than Lamine Yamal. A mere 16-year-old beacon of talent, a diamond in the rough, poised to etch his name in the annals of footballing lore with the audacity and flair that belies his tender age.
The whispers of excitement and wonder that accompany Yamal’s meteoric rise mirror the hallowed footsteps of legends like Pelé, whose indelible mark on the 1958 World Cup remains etched in the sands of time.
Legendary British sports commentator Peter Drury’s incredulous exclamation – “And a little boy is becoming a man. Lamine Yamal, what a story. Aged 16, What were you doing when you were 16?” – encapsulates the awe and admiration that Yamal inspires, a figure transcending mere mortal limitations to soar to the heights of sporting immortality.
Yamal’s ascent to the annals of footballing greatness is marked by a series of record-breaking feats that defy convention and redefine the boundaries of possibility. The youngest player to grace a World Cup or EURO semi-final, surpassing the revered milestone set by Pelé (17 years, 244 days versus France at the 1958 World Cup), Yamal’s precocious talent shines like a beacon of hope in a sea of seasoned veterans and battle-hardened warriors.
Oh, I almost forgot the in-form Dani Olmo, what a marvel to watch. The 26-year-old Spaniard has risen like a phoenix, leaving a trail of awe and admiration in his wake. With that vital match-winning goal against France, he etched his name in the annals of football history, becoming the first Spaniard to score in three consecutive Euro matches.
But it is not just his goal-scoring prowess that sets Dani Olmo apart. No, he is a maestro in every sense of the word, weaving his magic with three goals and two assists to his name. In doing so, he has emulated the great Spaniard David Silva, the last Spain player to achieve such a feat during their triumphant Euro 2012 campaign. I am struck by the sheer audacity of his talent. Despite starting just two games at Euro 2024, he has emerged as the frontrunner in the Golden Boot race with three goals and two assists. I tip my hat to Dani Olmo.
Another one to watch is Rodri, the unsung hero. Oh, what a marvel he is, like a potter shaping clay with deft hands, crafting beauty with every move on the field. In the heart of the pitch, Rodri stands tall, a silent sentinel orchestrating the tempo of the game with a quiet confidence that belies his immense impact. That number 6 position is his kingdom, his domain where he reigns supreme, commanding the defence with the wisdom of a seasoned general and deftly manoeuvring forward like a master tactician.
To witness Rodri in action is akin to witnessing a symphony unfold, each movement deliberate, each touch of the ball a stroke of genius. His presence felt like a gentle breeze on a summer day, subtle yet undeniable, guiding his team with a steady hand towards victory.
As I think of Rodri, the unsung hero, a thought lingers in the recesses of my mind, should he emerge victorious in the Euros, he will undoubtedly emerge as a heavy contender for the prestigious Ballon d’Or. I could already hear the incredulous whispers and the sceptical glances directed my way. Yes, I know it may sound like a wild fantasy, a dream spun from the threads of imagination. But hear me out.
GARETH’S THREE LIONS GLORY-HUNTERS, THIS IS YOUR MOMENT!
By Lwazi Dlamini
After a long month of exhilarating football, stretching from one end of Germany to the other, the Euro 2024 reaches its zenith tonight when Spain’s ‘La Roja’ take on the ‘Three Lions’ of England at the gigantic Olympiastadion in the most unpredictable finale ever.
The paths these two teams have taken to the German Capital, Berlin, are starkly different. Spain, under coach, Luis de la Fuente, have been the darlings of the tournament with their aesthetically pleasing football, glut of goals, eye-catching performances that convey coherence and a clearly defined identity.
My colleague, Siphesihle ‘Festival’ Dlamini, on the left side of this page, has poetically described their adventure and how they have captivated the world with their scintillating football powered by a predominantly youthful side and most remarkably, how they have brought to the eyes of the world, a talent extraordinaire Lamine Yamane who turned 17 years on Saturday (yesterday).
Granted, the Spanish have been a class apart despite a devilishly difficult draw that has seen them beat 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Croatia, holders, Italy, hosts Germany and the pre-tournament favourites France. By contrast, the Three Brave Lions of England, have stumbled their way into the first-ever final on foreign soil – thanks to a series of late goals to paper over the cracks despite the wealth of talent available to manager Gareth Southgate.
Therein lies the rub.
This England team is man-for-man, the best the English have had since Bobby Moore’s 1966 World Cup-winning heroes.
I am inherently rooting for the ‘Three Lions’ not on the backdrop of them being our colonial masters but from the moment my father bought a television set (those small black and white TV sets), Swazi TV bombarded us with the English game in particular the FA Cup re-runs which we watched for eternity.
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My dearly departed Father, a die-hard Manchester United and of course Orlando Pirates supporter, I could not have chosen any other teams to follow. My intimate contentment with English football and the ‘Three Lions’ is as old as the iconic picture of a sobbing Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne in the semi-final against West Germany in the 1990 World Cup, which still graces my bedroom wall at home to this very day.
So, come on England, I say with the same gusto as Piers Morgan wrote in his column on Friday! Yes, it still feels like it happened yesterday when a headline on the biggest-selling tabloid, The Sun screamed ‘Harry Pain’ after England’s talisman Harry Kane missed a penalty as Italy won the European Cup in 2022.
It is exactly that agonizing pain we experienced as England fans which will spearhead Gareth Southgate’s brave lions to meet Spain head-on and overwhelm them with a scintillating display of attacking flair and power.
American singer and actor, Frank Sinatra, once said: “The best revenge is massive success” and I am convinced the pain and torment suffered in the last final England played against the Italians means now it will end in triumph and everlasting joy. The English have not won the Euros while Spain is seeking their fourth title.
Unlike the 2022 squad, the current team has pace, power, several genius ballers, a top goalkeeper and a goal-scoring machine upfront. From the last line of defence, Jordan Pickford has been outstanding, Jude Bellingham was exceptional with his pricey 95th-minute overhead kick to avoid a Last-16 exit to Slovakia certainly set to go down as one of the most significant goals in English history.
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What about Bukayo Saka’s stunning strike to equalize against Switzerland in the 80th minute in the quarterfinals? Then cometh the hour, cometh the man. Ollie Watkins’s 91st-minute wonder strike to win the semi-final against the ‘Orange’ of Netherlands, is the stuff of legends.
This English side may have started the tournament like a languid fat cat about to devour a bowl of milk – inexplicably dull, plodding, snail-like but they finally kicked into top gear against the Netherlands, especially in the first half. The Manchester City duo of Kyle Walker, John Stones and Marc Guehi will start in the back-three, to stifle the dangerous Rodri.
Bukayo Saka, the Arsenal man who is like two midnights put together, will remain on the right with the sensational Manchester United prodigy Kobbie Mainoo, who reminds me of Netherlands legend Edgar Steven Davids (They so look alike!), and Declan Rice starting together in midfield for the fourth game running. Despite his struggles, talisman Harry Kane should start, supported by Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden in attack.
To his credit, Gareth Southgate has uncharacteristically ripped the restrictive reins off his team and made bold, daring, courageous late substitutions that have led to thrilling last-minute victories. I foresee another late winner this evening.
England, to be honest, have largely looked like less than the sum of their parts, but their collection of stars has managed to dig deep and grind out the results required to reach a second consecutive European Championship final.
The Spanish have been brilliant in this year’s Euros, with the brilliant Lamine Yamal, who Gary Lineker says is better than Pele and Messi at the same age and my colleague here on this page, has sung his praises like a canary. Again, the record of Spanish teams in international and club finals is ridiculous, with 26 straight wins since 2002 but it will all end tonight when teamwork triumphs over individual brilliance.
I verily believe if England can get a foothold in the game, their rich array of attacking talent could exploit a vulnerable-looking Spain defence, particularly the centre-back. I know Spain will focus on their strengths more than England’s weaknesses with Rodri and Fabian Ruiz set to run the game and rely on Williams and Yamal to win their battles against the England fullbacks, but the English can play through the press when they win the ball, and they could then create chances.
Spain plays with the highest defensive line in the tournament, but goalkeeper Unai Simon has also had a couple of shaky moments. His mistake led to a Croatia penalty in the opener – which was missed – and he almost gifted Germany a goal last week, although Kai Havertz could only loft the ball onto the roof of the net. It is such calamities England could take advantage of tonight.
As my favourite writer, Piers Morgan succinctly put it, I am confidently expecting England to meet the rampaging Spanish footballing Armada head-on and overwhelm them with a scintillating display of attacking flair and power. This is England’s moment. It is finally coming home!
