Following is reaction to Spain’s 2-1 victory over England in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final in Berlin:
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente: “It couldn’t be better. Just the fans, to see those players. A proper team, the champions of Europe. I was proud, but today I am even more so. It confirms what we are. They are the best in the world for me and today I really do confirm that term.
Spain’s opening scorer Nico Williams: “It is a euphoria that we have to enjoy. All our people deserve it. We suffered a lot. They had a good team. They possess some of the stars that can make a difference out on the pitch but we managed to neutralize their weapons and in the end lifted our European Championship trophy, as well…
Match-winner Mikel Oyarzabal: “I’ve done my duty. I think I did whatever it took at that point in time to be of assistance, I was fortunate enough to prolong the triumph. You really appreciate the fact of being in the 26 here. The most rewarding is having that moment to help as it has happened with me. It happened to me but it would have happened with anyone.”
Gareth Southgate, England head coach: “We have been playing at a different level to our opponents right until the very end of the final. I think towards the end of it we didn’t keep the ball so well in those up and back times… They press you really well there, they have to get out of that pressure on your line with man-on-man defence and unfortunately we couldn’t do that tonight by then which meant they had more control.
