MATCH REPORT | The triple slips away from the spot (1-1 and 3-1 penalties)

The best team in the world showed this Sunday in Basel that they were also the most dazzling team at the Euros which, however, they could not paint the trophy red on Swiss soil.

Spain came up short from the spot and dreams of turning the dream of the Triple Crown into reality in a final for the ages against England slipped away in heartbreaking fashion. At a packed St. Jakob-Park, with the rain abating briefly, the thrilling match for the European crown began. In the opening stages, long balls and fast-paced runs took centre stage as both teams tried to catch the other off guard, with Russo and Esther chasing every ball.

Bit by bit, the national team began to take control, aiming to dominate possession and create chances, forcing the Lionesses to look to intercept passes and retreat deep. That’s how the first big chance came — Esther González connecting with a cross from Olga Carmona, only for Hampton to tip it over for a corner. Spain’s number nine did not let up, repeatedly linking up with the PSG star. Athenea del Castillo also tried her luck, cutting inside and aiming for the far post, but to no avail. And the first quarter of an hour had not even passed and Spain were looking sharp.

Cries of “Spain, Spain!” echoed from the stands as Montse Tomé barked instructions from the touchline and the national side continued to pressure Hampton’s goal. Yet it was Cata Coll who drew the loudest cheers in the 19th minute, sticking out a leg to deny Hemp. Up front, Alexia, Aitana and Caldentey combined brilliantly on the edge of the box, with the latter’s shot narrowly off target. But she would not miss the next one. Mariona soon headed it home after a pinpoint cross from Ona Batlle on the right. It was the 25th minute, and Spain made history by scoring in their first-ever Euros final. The header was the Arsenal midfielder’s second goal of this Euros.

Athenea and Aitana combined with Alexia, passing and weaving their way through, pinning Sarina Wiegman’s side back, forcing her to make the first substitution due to injury. James made way for Kelly, who watched Esther’s header go just wide from Aitana’s delivery. Spain went into the break after a strong performance and having created several dangerous chances against the English.

The second-half kicked off with Spain maintaining their attacking intent. Athenea, ever-dangerous, and Aitana crafted a good chance five minutes in, but Hampton collected it once again. Mariona struck from the edge of the box in the 51st minute, and again the English keeper held firm. Spain continued to trouble England’s defence with through balls and constant movement from the forwards.

But England found their moment in the 57th minute. Russo headed the equaliser into the net from a Kelly cross. Spain did not drop their heads, with half an hour still to play and enough time to quash England’s momentum. Cata Coll pulled off a great save in the 68th minute to send the ball out for a corner, just before Athenea tested Hampton at the other end.

Claudia Pina replaced Alexia in the 70th minute as England’s goal-scorer Russo was subbed off for Agyemang. Pina made an immediate impact, testing the English keeper just two minutes into her time on the pitch. Salma and Vicky came on in the 88th minute, right after a superb run from Athenea del Castillo, who left the pitch along with Esther González.

Claudia Pina quickly fed the ball to Salma, who forced a corner in a fast-paced attack. Vicky also had a go in the dying moments of normal time, but her effort flew over the bar, sending the match into extra time.

Vicky darted into the box and tested Hampton at the start of added time, with her runs creating the most danger. Claudia Pina weaved her way across the edge of the box but fired wide. The clearest chance of the first half of extra time came when Ona Batlle crossed into the box, but Salma just failed to make contact.

Leila came on for Olga in the second 15 minutes of extra time. Salma and Pina linked up dangerously in the 105th minute. Aitana went on a solo run down the right wing and squared it for Pina, who could not get her shot off. The dominance and creativity throughout extra time were red — typified by Mariona’s surging run and cross which Vicky sent wide. Vicky then headed a Leila cross into Hampton’s gloves in the 116th minute. The Mallorca-born centre-back was still sprinting as if she had not played 118 minutes. Despite Spain’s drive, the scoreline would not change.

At the coin toss for the penalty shootout, luck sided with England and turned its back on Spain, who finished the tournament unbeaten, dominant — with 24 shots on target to England’s 10 in the final — and with the unanimous respect of professionals and fans alike.

The Nations League now looms as the next immediate challenge for a team, reigning world champions, determined to keep thrilling us.