Oyarzabal Fires Spain Past England After Kane Penalty Miss
Mikel Oyarzabal struck in the 74th minute as Spain beat England 3-2 in the Nations League, punishing Thomas Tuchel’s side after Harry Kane’s costly penalty miss.
Oyarzabal delivers Spain’s decisive response
Spain regained control after Alex Baena cancelled out England’s early second-half advantage on the hour. Oyarzabal then raced on to a sharp pass from a team-mate and calmly lifted his finish over James Trafford to settle a frantic contest.
The Real Sociedad forward had already made a habit of major international moments, having scored the winner against England in the Euro 2024 final. This time, his late intervention again proved decisive for Luis de la Fuente’s team.
England’s penalty moment changes the match
England had a clear chance to extend their lead in the 55th minute when Jude Bellingham was brought down in the area. Kane slipped as he took the penalty, sending the ball against the crossbar.
The England captain also made a second contact with the ball, with his left leg touching it before his right-footed strike. Under IFAB Law 14, an accidental double touch results in a retake only if the kick goes in; when it does not, the opposition receive an indirect free-kick.
Timeline of the turning points
- 2nd minute: Lamine Yamal punished a Marc Guehi mistake, curling Spain into an early lead.
- 36th minute: Anthony Gordon finished neatly to bring England level.
- 40th minute: Kane headed England ahead after their rapid recovery.
- 55th minute: Kane hit the bar from the spot after Bellingham was fouled, with the double-touch rule also applying.
- 60th minute: Baena restored parity for Spain.
- 74th minute: Oyarzabal chipped Trafford for Spain’s winner.
Missed Spanish chances keep England alive
Spain had opportunities to pull away before England’s comeback. Ferran Torres was unable to convert two one-on-one situations, allowing the hosts to build momentum after a fast, open opening period.
Yamal’s early finish had rewarded Spain’s bright start, but England responded through Gordon and Kane to turn the match around before the interval. The second half swung back towards the visitors once Kane’s penalty chance disappeared.
Key takeaways
- Spain recovered from 2-1 down to claim a 3-2 away win.
- Oyarzabal supplied the late winner after Baena’s equaliser.
- Kane’s missed penalty came with an accidental double touch, requiring an indirect free-kick under the laws.
- England’s next Nations League match is against the Czech Republic.
- Spain now face Croatia, who opened with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic.
