What happened to Alvaro Morata? Spain striker wiped out by security guard, suffers potential knee injury after Euro 2024 semifinal

2024-07-09
6 min read
(Getty Images)

Spain reached the Euro 2024 final as they beat France 2-1 in the semifinals thanks to a wondergoal from 16-year-old Lamine Yamal and a strike from Dani Olmo.

Luis de la Fuente's side fell behind early after Kylian Mbappe picked out Randal Kolo Muani at the far post, and he headed home past Unai Simon, but they reacted perfectly to score twice in less than five minutes and take the lead. 

They then went on to win their sixth consecutive game at this tournament, the first team to ever do so, and will now face the winner of England vs. the Netherlands on Sunday in the final in Berlin. 

But the fitness of striker Alvaro Morata to play in that game looks to be in question, after an incident with a security guard following the fulltime whistle.

MORE: Euro 2024 schedule and results, updated LIVE | Euro 2024 top scorers, who is leading Golden Boot race? | How to watch all the Euro 2024 action 

What happened to Alvaro Morata after Euro 2024 semifinal vs. France?

In the midst of Spain's celebrations following the final whistle, Morata was involved in a worrying incident.

The Spain striker was wiped out by what looked to be a security guard who was sprinting across the slick surface to escort away a pitch invader during the post-match jubilation.

Footage after the match appeared to show a fan trying to get a video or selfie with the Spain squad, before a security guard responded by running across the pitch, losing his footing, and sliding into Morata — catching his knee. 

Morata was then helped away by teammate Dani Vivian, and was pictured limping heavily. He appeared visibly upset as he hobbled off the pitch.

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Morata — one of the leading all-time scorers at the Euros — has been vital to Spain's attack at this tournament so far and has set the record for the most direct goal involvements for them at a men’s European Championship with eight.

The Spain forward played 76 minutes of the semifinal before being substituted and replaced by Mikel Oyarzabal.

It would be an incredibly cruel way to miss out on the final if he were to be injured.

Alvaro Morata injury latest: Will Spain captain be for final?

It was unclear immediately after the semifinal whether Morata had sustained an injury serious enough to rule him out of Sunday's final.

In their live coverage, Marca claimed that there was concern within the national team that the captain would not be available, but head coach Luis de la Fuente did not address the issue when he first spoke with the media following the game.

The Sporting News will update this page when further information becomes available.

When is Euro 2024 final?

The final takes place on Sunday, July 14 in Berlin. Kickoff is set for 9:00 p.m. local time in Germany

  Date Kickoff time
USA/Canada Sun, Jul. 14 3 p.m. ET
USA/Canada Sun, Jul. 14 12 p.m. PT
UK Sun, Jul. 14 8 p.m. BST
Australia Mon, Jul. 15 5 a.m. AEST
India Mon, Jul. 15 12:30 a.m. IST

Where will Euro 2024 final be played?

The grand finale of Euro 2024 will be held at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany. It is the home of Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin and has a capacity of 71,000, making it the biggest venue at Euro 2024.

This historic venue, known for its rich sporting history and electrifying atmosphere, is set to provide a fitting stage for the tournament's climactic showdown.

Euro 2024 final TV, live stream details?

Below you can check local listings for the exact channel and streaming options available in your region.

  TV channel Streaming
USA FOX Network, TUDN USA, Univision Fubo, Fox Sports app/website, Univision Now, TUDN App, ViX
Canada TSN1, TSN3, TSN4, TSN5, TVA Sports, CTV TVA+, CTV App
UK BBC One, ITV 1 UK, STV Scotland BBC iPlayer/website, ITVX, STV Player/website
Australia  — Optus Sport
India Sony Ten 2, 3, 2HD, 3HD JioTV, Sony LIV