Euro 2024: Final Preview

SPAIN v ENGLAND Both teams come into this match having beaten quality opponents in the semifinal in pretty similar fashions, with both coming back to win 2-1 after conceding an early goal. Many of us were not surprised to see Spain pull this off, but I’d be lying if thought England was going to pull out a win after going down 1-0 vs the Netherlands. Their track record, especially with Southgate, didn’t exactly inspire confidence.

For England, this switch to the back-3 the last 2 games have made them a little less apt to sit and counter. They definitely haven’t turned into Spain or Germany and controlled possession like they do but it wasn’t the drab boring England has historically been under Southgate. Are they willing to not let Spain beat down on them the whole match and try to control some of the ball? I think this is the main thing to watch out for: how passive will England be and do they risk getting attacked by Spain for 90 minutes. When they do get forward, obviously watch out for the usual talismen, Kane and Bellingham, but Foden has basically been invisible and I wouldn’t be surprised if him – and that very punchable face – have a moment a quality to get England on the board.

For Spain, it has and will continue to be about the wing play. Yamal and Williams have combined for 4 assists and 2 goals so far and most of Spain’s dangerous opportunities have come from these two guys. The largest beneficiaries of this wing play has been Morata and Olmo, who have combined for 4 goals and 3 assists. For us Milan fans being linked to Morata, his play has been solid but Olmo is in the better form having scored in the last 3 matches. I’m not sure Olmo gets the start as Morata has started every game but one, so look for Olmo to continue this streak as the super-sub.

PREDICTION: Defense often reigns supreme in finals and both teams have been solid defensively for the most part. Ironically, both teams haven’t been able to keep clean sheets in the knockouts and I’m expecting at least 3 goals in this, with Spain winning 2-1. It might be slow to start but as often is the case, 1 goal might break the game open. That being said, I didn’t exactly get much right trying to predict Italy’s performance so take of this with a gain of salt, LOL.

If Lisi gets back to me I’ll add his betting tips but I’m not going to suggest anything. You’re all big boys and girls, figure out what you want to bet and go throw down some wagers.