The Euro 2024 final ended with a thrilling match where Spain edged out England with a 2-1 victory, securing their fourth title in the prestigious tournament. After a goalless first half, Spain caught the English defence off guard early in the second half to score.
Cole Palmer equalised for England, but Spain struck again, and a last-minute goal-line clearance sealed their victory.
England’s Heartbreak, Spain’s Glory
For England, it’s another moment of heartbreak, despite their commendable performance throughout the tournament. The team’s recent years have been among the best since their legendary 1966 World Cup win, but the elusive Euro title remains out of reach.
Spain, on the other hand, lived up to their reputation as favourites, showcasing beautiful, skillful football and proving that success doesn’t have to come from grinding out results.
Conor McGregor’s Birthday Bonanza
Amid the celebrations, one notable figure who had a particularly good day was Conor McGregor. The MMA fighter took to social media to reveal that he had placed a significant bet on Spain to win Euro 2024, and it paid off handsomely. McGregor posted a betting slip showing an €83,500 (£70,000) wager on Spain, which netted him a whopping €1,002,000 (£841,000).
“€1million won on my birthday!” McGregor exclaimed, reveling in the joy of his accurate prediction. Not only did Spain’s victory bring him a massive payout, but it also coincided with his 36th birthday, making the win even sweeter.
A Reminder of Betting Realities
While McGregor celebrates his windfall, it’s a reminder that not all bets have such fairy-tale endings. The gambling industry thrives on the majority of losing bets, and many will be lamenting their losses. Take, for example, those who got stuck with Hungary in their office sweepstake—there goes that fiver.
In another twist from Euro 2024, the Golden Boot was shared among six players, a result of a change in the rules. Harry Kane, Dani Olmo, Jamal Musiala, Cody Gakpo, Ivan Schranz, and Georges Mikautadze all finished as top scorers with three goals each.
Spain’s victory in Euro 2024 and Conor McGregor’s lucrative bet will be remembered as highlights of the tournament. While Spain continues to bask in their glory, McGregor enjoys his well-timed birthday winnings, leaving us all to reflect on the unpredictable nature of both football and betting.