Euros final: The agony and the ecstasy

The Euros final was a roller-coaster of emotions for fans of both England and Italy.
From elation to despair
England stunned Italy by taking the lead in just the 2nd minute and for the next 25 minutes looked in total control.
The crowd were bouncing, singing and daring to dream. This could be the moment England finally ended their 55-year wait for a major trophy.
But then, Italy began to take control.
The Italian crowd grew louder and more passionate. The English crowd fell silent. Barely able to watch as Italy pressed and probed. The atmosphere was electric.
And then, in the 67th minute, Italy, thanks to Leonardo Bonucci, found an equaliser.
The Italians went wild. The England fans fell deathly quiet.
For the next 30 minutes, extra time and penalties, the tension was unbearable. The weight of history hung heavy on England's young shoulders.
And it was Italy who triumphed in the penalty shootout.
Mixed emotions
There were tears of joy in the Italian end. Tears of sadness in the England end.
No one ever said that football was fair. But for every winner, there must be a loser.
And on this night, it was England's turn to experience the agony of defeat.
What next?
Gareth Southgate and his young team can be proud of their achievements. They gave it their all.
They reached the final of a major tournament for the first time in 55 years.
They brought the country together. They inspired a nation.
Now, they need to pick themselves up and go again.
The 2022 World Cup is just around the corner.
And who knows, maybe this time, it will be England's turn to taste the ecstasy of victory.