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England has once again etched their name into the history books, successfully defending their UEFA Women's Euro title after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over World Champions Spain at St. Jakob-Park in Basel. The Lionesses emerged triumphant after a fiercely contested match ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, with England ultimately winning the shootout 3-1.
The final, a highly anticipated rematch of the 2023 World Cup final, lived up to its billing as a clash of two of women's football's titans. Spain, known for their technical prowess and fluid passing, took the lead in the 25th minute through a well-placed header from Mariona Caldentey.
However, Sarina Wiegman's resilient England side, accustomed to dramatic comebacks throughout this tournament, refused to be defeated. Their persistence paid off in the 57th minute when Alessia Russo, a constant threat, headed home a crucial equalizer from a superb cross by substitute Chloe Kelly.
The goal ignited the match, leading to an end-to-end battle throughout the remainder of regulation and a tense extra time period. Both teams had chances to snatch a winner, with goalkeepers Hannah Hampton for England and Cata Coll for Spain making pivotal saves to keep their sides in contention.
As the clock ticked past 120 minutes, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with both sets of fans on the edge of their seats. The final whistle signaled a penalty shootout, the first time a Women's Euro final has been decided in such dramatic fashion.
England's nerve of steel shone through in the shootout. Despite Beth Mead's initial penalty being retaken due to a double-touch and then saved, the Lionesses maintained their composure. Crucial misses from Spain's Aitana Bonmatí and Salma Paralluelo opened the door for England. And it was Chloe Kelly, the hero of the 2022 Euro final, who stepped up once again to slot home the decisive penalty, sending the English faithful into raptures.
