One of the two finalist teams is the best in the tournament so far and potentially finds itself at the start of a new era of success thanks to a young prodigy, an exceptional midfield and an adjustment in philosophy.
The other survived, hobbling to the final thanks to some big moments, resilience and an oft-criticised coach who has another chance to end his country’s long wait for a first major title since the 1966 World Cup.
The final match of the UEFA Men’s European Championship between Spain and England on Sunday is full of stories, with one story perhaps standing out above the rest.
Inside the Olympiastadion, the historic stadium built by the Nazis for the 1936 Olympic Games, Lamine Yamal – a day after his 17e anniversary – will attempt to cap his breakthrough as soccer’s new superstar with Spain’s first major title since three in a row from 2008 to 2012.
Yamal has drawn the spotlight in a tournament in which the big stars – Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, and even England’s Harry Kane – have underwhelmed. While his three assists before the semi-finals hinted at his undoubted potential, Yamal’s spectacular curling shot that propelled Spain to a 2-1 victory over France signalled the arrival of a new star on the international stage.
“He’s a generational talent,” England striker Ollie Watkins said of Yamal on Friday. “He’s got the world at his feet.”
Despite Yamal’s emergence, it was the midfield that gave Spain the upper hand over their rivals.
Rodri, perhaps the world’s most effective player, and Fabian Ruiz are the axis on which Spain thrive. Dani Olmo accompanies them as the attacking element of a complete central midfield trio that England will struggle to contain.
Spain topped a group that included defending champions Italy and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Croatia. They then eliminated hosts Germany and Mbappe’s France, widely considered pre-tournament favourites.
La Roja has now won six in a row. No wonder the Spaniards are so strongly supported ahead of the final.
“They’ve been the better team,” England manager Gareth Southgate said of Spain. “But here we are and from what we’ve shown so far, we’ve got as much chance as them.”
Indeed, Spain should not underestimate England, whose tenacity and character stood out much more than their quality of play.
The country’s most talented team in 20 years underperformed, looking unbalanced, short of ideas and in some cases tired, but somehow qualified for a second consecutive European Championship final.
Three years ago, England lost to Italy on penalties at home at Wembley Stadium, prolonging the painful wait for the home of soccer.
Since the start of the Euro, English players have stood out with crucial goals: Jude Bellingham with the equaliser in injury time against Slovakia in the round of 16, Bukayo Saka with the equaliser in the 80th minutee minute against Switzerland in the quarter-finals, and even Watkins almost exactly in the 90the minute against the Netherlands in the semi-final.
So England is confident in its underdog status.
“They are capable of inflicting a lot of damage, even without playing very fluidly,” said Spain defender Dani Vivian. “But they have this quality that makes them capable of producing these sparks.”