by Mick the Ram

Two major football tournaments reached their conclusions over the weekend, with the Euro’s and Copa America both seeing dramatic climaxes.

In both cases there was proof if needed, that it is very much a squad game, as winning goals were scored by late substitutes.

In Berlin, Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal had been on the pitch less than 20 minutes when he netted the goal that secured a 2-1 victory over England; whilst over in Miami Lautaro Martínez was introduced in extra-time and scored the only goal in Argentina’s win against Colombia.

For England it was their second successive Euro final defeat, whereas for the Argentinians it was their second successive Copa America success.

Teenagers lead the way

Spain, who have had some quiet years lately by their previous high standards and were behind at least four nations in the pre-tournament betting, looked a class above any other team in Germany, with the emergence of two exceptional wide players being key to their success.

Teenagers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal have terrorised defences in every game and it was no surprise when the two combined for Williams to stroke home the opener just a minute into the second-half.

Used to falling behind

England made changes, including replacing captain Harry Kane and it was one of the substitutes, Cole Palmer, who struck a low drive into the bottom corner of the Spanish net to level things up with 17 minutes to go, after being set up by Jude Bellingham.

At that point it looked as if England were going to repeat the achievements of their previous three games, when the came from behind to beat Slovakia, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

No come back this time

It was Spain, however, who snatched the win four minutes from time as Oyarzabal slid home Marc Cucurella’s cross.

Despite a late rally that saw both Declan Rice and Marc Guehi have headers cleared off the line, The Spaniards held on to claim the trophy.

Southgate unwilling to discuss future

Having lost on penalties to Italy 3 years ago, it was a bitter pill to swallow for manager Gareth Southgate, who has faced criticism for his tactical decisions throughout the tournament.

Asked if his eight-year reign as head coach was coming to an end, the 53-year-old said: “Now is not the time for me to speak about that; I need to talk to the right people and give myself a bit of time.”

He added that getting to another final was a “privilege” and he felt his players had: “represented the shirt with pride”, before admitting Spain had more control of the game.

Argentina players celebrate with the Copa America trophy after their win over Colombia (RNZ)

Co-hosts in four years

They will have an opportunity to try and make it third time lucky when they co-host the next Euro’s in 2028. Prior to that there is of course the 2026 World Cup taking place in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Argentina match Spanish record

When that competition begins it is almost certain that the favourites will be Argentina, who overcame a strong Colombian outfit to win the Copa America.

It was fitting that it came just a few hours after Spain’s success, as they matched the Spaniards achievement of winning three consecutive major titles, following the World Cup in 2022 and the previous Copa America the year before.

Spain won the 2008 and 2012 Euros, with the 2010 World Cup sandwiched in between.

Messi injury after lengthy dela

The final, played in Miami, was delayed by 80 minutes due to ticket-less fans trying to gain entry, leading to clashes between fans and police.

The ground is less than 20 miles from where Lionel Messi plays his club football, so it was understandable that he was reduced to tears when injury cut short his participation mid-way through the first-half.

Still the world’s number one

The match itself was a cagey affair with Colombia playing with the confidence that comes from an unbeaten run of 28 games.

It looked to be heading for penalties until Martínez latched onto a Giovani lo Celso’s through ball to clinch the win, with his fifth goal of the tournament.

It may not have been Argentina’s best performance, or indeed their best tournament, but they reaffirmed their dominance in world football.