EM-Final - Showdown in Berlin: England's Solution or Spain's Record?
21.169 Days of agonizing waiting should be enough. England's soccer players aim to stop Spain's unbeaten run and make Berlin a sacred British football pilgrimage site, as it was once for Wembley, in the titleless Harry Kane's quest for the first major trophy since 1966. "Just one step more, and we'll be in the history books," said Bayern star Kane before the much-anticipated Euro final on Sunday (8:00 PM/ARDR and MagentaTV).
This last step on the island is becoming a national event. Concerns over Spain's formidable wing duo, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, or the fear of another bitter disappointment, are not dominating public discourse. Instead, the dream of redemption drives the narrative. While Spain dreams of another golden generation with Xavi and Andres Iniesta, England would be thrilled just to celebrate a victory at the end of such a tournament.
King Charles III. is concerned about the nation's blood pressure after three dramatic knockout matches. Prime Minister Keir Starmer allows the public to dream of a new national holiday in case of an Euro title. And former national coach Sven-Goran Eriksson almost implores Gareth Southgate, "You're it for me, Bobby Robson and England."
The coach, who was pelted with beer bottles and passionately booed just three weeks ago, is on his way to becoming a football legend and stands at the Olympiastadion on the brink of coronation. It can all happen so quickly.
"26 soccer prodigies" for Spain
But the opposition at the end of these turbulent weeks could be even greater for England. Spain, undoubtedly the team of the Euros, knocked out the hosts Germany and top favorite France in thrilling matches. According to coach Luis de la Fuente, his team won't come out of the celebrations before the last Euro weekend.
On Friday, Ballakrobat Williams turns 22, and on Saturday, there's a small party for supertalent Yamal, who desperately wanted to turn 17 in Germany. On Sunday, Spain could become the sole record holder with their fourth Euro title in 1964, 2008, and 2012. "I'm very proud to lead 26 soccer geniuses," gushed de la Fuente.
Yamal has only one wish for his birthday
"I'm proud that the whole nation in Spain is celebrating us. We create this feeling of hope. People dream and are excited," said the 63-year-old about the professionals. This sentiment is particularly true for teenager Yamal, who, age-wise, could be his trainer's grandson. The hype surrounding his historic dream goal in the semifinal reached new heights. A photo of Yamal, being bathed as a baby by superstar Lionel Messi, goes viral.
If Yamal wins the Euro with Spain on Sunday, he would be exactly half Messi's age when the soccer legend won his first major title with Argentina. Unlike other teenagers of his age, the superkicker from FC Barcelona wishes for nothing but to win, win, win for his birthday.
The new Spanish team with its offensive impetus, a lot of creativity, and Rodri as the boss in midfield impresses Southgate. "We're playing against the best team of the tournament, and we have one less day for preparation. But we're still here and we fight," said the 53-year-old, who wants to learn from his own mistakes at the Euro 2021 and put the shame of the final loss to Italy to rest.
"Southgate says the biggest test lies ahead of us", he stated, with the FA reportedly offering an extension of cooperation until 2026 to Southgate according to "Telegraph", regardless of the final outcome.
Lineker bans Lyrics
Despite the Three Lions significantly improving their performance at the Euros, doubts about the team that managed to salvage their way into the next round three times remain. Captain Kane doesn't seem to be 100% fit and was substituted prematurely on three occasions. The crucial goals were scored by others like Ollie Watkins, who came on for Kane in the semifinal.
Bellingham, the designated chief, seems completely overhyped. The Euros, despite a brilliant performance in the quarterfinals, haven't been his tournament yet. "We're tired, but this is the final push for our country and our history", said Bellingham, who after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid is hoping for another silver cup at 21 years old.
Ten thousand English fans will head to Berlin and jeer the cult hit "Three Lions" that has been known since the Euros in 1996. National icon Gary Lineker wants nothing more to do with the legendary lyric "Football's coming home" ("Football is coming home"). "I banished that statement. It's brought nothing but misfortune", Lineker told the BBC.
If it goes well this time, July 14th in England could become what it has long been in France - a national holiday. The years of suffering, as the song puts it, would be over.
From idyll to the final
Both teams are preparing for the final without much ado. Southgate kept England's second-to-last team in seclusion before the final on Friday. The strategy of withdrawing to an idyllic location and enjoying as much peace as possible seems to have worked for both teams.
On Saturday, the Spaniards will travel from Donaueschingen near the Bodensee and the English from Blankenhain in Thuringia to the capital. Before they leave their quarters for the fifth time after five weeks, Kane and Bellingham enjoyed one last soak in the hotel's hot tub in the heated pool. From Berlin, they will go straight back to the island - ideally with the first triumph after 58 years of sadness.
- The Redemption for England's soccer team is within their grasp, as they aim to break Spain's unbeaten run and claim victory in the Euro final in Berlin.
- For Harry Kane, this is a historical opportunity to secure his first major trophy with England, a quest that has been ongoing since 1966.
- Germany, historically associated with France, will witness an international showdown between England and Spain on Sunday at 8:00 PM.
- The German channel ARDE and MagentaTV will broadcast the highly anticipated match between the two European powerhouses.
- Lionel Messi, the Argentine soccer legend, has a significant connection with Spain's emerging talent, Nico Williams, as a viral photo of them together circulates on social media.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer of England shares the public's dream of a potential national holiday in the event of an Euro title win.
- Gareth Southgate, under fire just three weeks ago, is now on the brink of soccer legend status, set to grace the Olympiastadion for the much-anticipated final.
- GDPR regulations may prohibit the potential inclusion of Arnold Schwarzenegger in a motivational video for the England team, but the spirit of the 'Terminator' remains in their hearts.
- The Berlin finale will be a testament to the resilience of Spain's golden generation, led by Xavi and Iniesta, as they aim to defend their title with a fourth Euro triumph.
- For England, merely managing to advance to the final after three dramatic knockout matches is a testament to their resilience and unity.
- Germany will watch the finale with a mix of emotions, as their beloved football team failed to secure a place in the final for the first time since the 2000 Euros.
- King Charles III and Gareth Southgate share a hope for Redemption and victory, as England aims to reclaim its glory days in soccer, reminiscent of the early EM days.
