Euro 2025: Defeating Spain in penalty shootout, England breathlessly defends title

(NLDO) - England successfully defended their title at Euro 2025 with a dramatic victory over Spain in a penalty shootout, continuing to set countless women's football records.

In front of more than 35,000 spectators in Basel, England and Spain entered the final with the spirit and attitude of champions.

2023 World Cup champions Spain started the game better, controlled the game and quickly opened the scoring in the 25th minute thanks to Mariona Caldentey's tricky header after a well-coordinated move on the left wing.

Teammates celebrate after Mariona Caldentey opens the scoring for Spain

However, England were not easily defeated. After being pressured for a few minutes, they began to regain control of the game.

In the 57th minute, from Chloe Kelly's cross from the right wing, Alessia Russo chose the right spot to head the ball past goalkeeper Cata Coll, tying the score 1-1 to the delight of the fans.

Alessia Russo (23) after heading the equalizer 1-1 for England

120 minutes of tension in the final match

The match then became a tight affair as both teams were cautious, especially after having exhausted much of their physical strength from the previous knockout rounds.

Extra time produced no further goals and the match had to be decided on penalties – something that has not happened in a women's Euro final since 1984.

Salma Paraluello misses a chance to score for Spain in regular time

In the nerve-wracking penalty shootout, the defending champions' mettle was clearly demonstrated. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton became the hero with two excellent saves from Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmatí.

On the Spanish side, only Patri Guijarro successfully converted while Alex Greenwood, Niamh Charles and Chloe Kelly all completed their tasks from the 11m mark, helping England win 3-1, winning the European Championship for the second consecutive time.

Chloe Kelly wins the decisive penalty, England defends the title

England defends title

"We went through the most chaotic tournament of our career, with many injuries, reversals, and penalty shootouts. But my girls did not give up. They deserve to be called champions" - Coach Sarina Wiegman emotionally said after the match.

One of the most moving images of the final night was Lucy Bronze – England’s veteran defender – playing the entire match with a fractured tibia, despite the risk of a recurrence of her knee injury. “I’ve waited for this moment my whole career. Even though it was painful, I couldn’t give up,” she said after the match.

Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton saved two penalty kicks and received the "Best Player of the Match" award.

Goalkeeper Hampton, who was voted "Man of the Match" by UEFA, said: "I was always ready for the penalty shootout. The whole team believed in me and I couldn't let them down."

The win marks a significant milestone in the history of England women’s football. It is the first time they have won the Euros away from home, and continues the impressive run of success for coach Sarina Wiegman – who led the Netherlands to Euro 2017 and England to the title in 2022.

England successfully defended the European Championship title

On the Spanish side, although they could not maintain their advantage and lost in the penalty shootout, the red team still had an impressive tournament.

Aitana Bonmatí was awarded the UEFA "Best Player of the Tournament" award while Esther González won the "Top Scorer" award. Young player Michelle Agyemang (England) received the "Best Young Player" award.

Aitana Bonmatí (6) was awarded the title "Best Player of Euro"

The 2025 Euro Women's Final ended with drama, emotion and high professional quality. This is considered a big boost for European women's football in its journey of strong development in both professional and audience attraction.

With England, they not only maintain their "throne" but also affirm their leading position in the old continent.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/euro-2025-thang-tay-ban-nha-o-loat-11-m-tuyen-anh-nghet-tho-bao-ve-ngoi-hau-196250728062427283.htm