In a pulsating Nations League match at Wembley on Saturday, World Cup champions Spain preserved their remarkable 39‑game unbeaten run by overturning a 2‑1 halftime deficit to defeat England 3‑2.
Early surge by Spain
Spain burst out of the gate, with 17‑year‑old Lamine Yamal seizing the lead in under two minutes. Yamal dispossessed England defender Marc Guehi and fired a low shot past goalkeeper James Trafford into the far corner, setting the tone for a fiercely contested encounter.
England’s response and the penalty miss
England rallied quickly. Antony Gordon equalized in the 36th minute after a swift breakaway, linking with Jude Bellingham before sliding a low shot past Spain’s keeper Unai Simón. Four minutes later, Harry Kane headed in a deflected cross from Marc Cucurella to give England a 2‑1 advantage.
Early in the second half, England earned a penalty when Rodri brought down Kane in the box. However, Kane slipped during his run and the spot‑kick was missed, a pivotal moment that shifted momentum back to Spain.
Spain’s comeback
Spain responded immediately. Substitute Alex Baena curled a low shot into the corner to level the score at 2‑2, capitalizing on a loose ball near the English goal. Ten minutes later, Mikel Oyarzabal, who had already scored the winning goal in the 2024 European Championship final against England, delivered the decisive strike. Receiving Baena’s assist, Oyarzabal calmly chipped goalkeeper James Trafford from close range to complete the comeback.
Post‑match reactions
England coach Thomas Tuchel expressed frustration, noting the missed penalty could have been the decisive moment that ended Spain’s unbeaten run. “We couldn’t convert the penalty, that may have been the decisive moment because I think then Spain would have maybe for the first time believed that their long run of unbeaten games ends here,” Tuchel told ITV Sport.
He added, “The third goal, I think, was the only goal that they really scored. The other ones there were too many individual big mistakes.” Tuchel also lamented his side’s start, saying, “We had a terrible start, the worst start possible. It makes it so difficult to be behind against this kind of team.”
Key performances
Spain’s victory was built on collective effort. While World Cup scorer Ferran Torres struggled to find the net, the team’s resilience shone through. Oyarzabal’s composure under pressure highlighted his growing reputation as a clutch performer for the national side.
England’s missed opportunities, particularly the penalty, underscored the fine margins that separate victory from defeat at this level.
Implications
With the win, Spain opens its Nations League campaign on a high note, reinforcing its status as the premier European side heading into upcoming qualifiers and tournaments. England, meanwhile, will look to regroup and address the defensive lapses that allowed Spain to claw back into the game.
The match also provided a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability that international football can deliver, especially when two historic rivals meet on the world stage.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
