Spain’s success marks the end of a flawless campaign for football

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Spain’s triumph in Euro 2024 was universally praised as well-deserved, despite football being a sport that frequently sparks debate and differing opinions.

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La Roja triumphed in all seven matches without resorting to penalties, setting a new European Championship record. Their 2-1 victory over England in the final secured them the title of European champions for an unprecedented fourth time.

Their path to glory in Berlin was no easy feat, as they defeated every other European nation that has ever won a World Cup – Italy, Germany, France, and England, in addition to overcoming the 2018 finalists Croatia.

Rodri emerged as the standout player of the tournament for La Roja, while the teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was recognized as the young player of the tournament. Dani Olmo claimed a share of the Golden Boot, with Yamal leading in assists.

Spain emerged as the champions of the tournament, despite not being considered one of the top favorites at the beginning. Gareth Southgate, the manager of England, acknowledged Spain’s victory and stated that they were deserving winners of not just the final match, but the entire competition.

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Is it a victory for football?

The Spain team that won the Euros 2008 and 2012, as well as the 2010 World Cup, had a different style compared to the current team. The previous team was known for their passing game, led by Xavi and Andres Iniesta, while the current team relies more on wingers.

Nico Williams scored the first goal, and Mikel Oyarzabal, who came on as a substitute, scored the late winner, with Yamal providing the assist for Williams’ goal.

Williams and Yamal, who are good friends, celebrated their birthdays on Friday and Saturday, turning 22 and 17 respectively.

Yamal, who plays for Barcelona, became the youngest player to play, score, assist, and win a European Championship.

Chris Sutton, a former Celtic striker who earned one cap for England, mentioned on BBC Radio 5 Live that Spain’s victory was a positive outcome for football.

Gary Lineker, a former Barcelona player and current BBC Match of the Day presenter, expressed that while it was a tough loss for England, it was a triumph for attacking football.

Juan Mata, a former Spain midfielder, stated on BBC One that the team played exceptionally well, always aiming to win games, and deserved to win the tournament.

He emphasized that the team consists of both young and experienced players, making it a team not only for the present but also for the future.

Mata expressed his pride in the team’s performance and their potential to continue growing, believing, and winning more trophies.

Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague was surprised by Spain’s victory, highlighting their fearless and courageous approach as the key to winning the tournament.

‘Spain a team compared to the individuals of England’

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England manager Southgate faced criticism for his perceived defensive tactics during the summer, but as they progressed further in the tournament, the dissenting voices quieted down.

During the Euros, they altered their formation and notably improved when substitutes like Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer, who scored crucial goals, entered the field.

Southgate’s squad included Phil Foden, the Premier League’s player of the year, Jude Bellingham, La Liga’s player of the year, and Harry Kane, the Bundesliga’s top scorer.

In contrast, Spain had two center-backs set to play in Saudi Arabia next season and several players from Real Sociedad, who finished sixth in La Liga. Marc Cucurella, often criticized at Chelsea, emerged as the tournament’s best left-back.

Spain’s starting XI featured only one player each from Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Sutton commented: “Spain played beautiful football while England did not. Spain operates as a team, whereas England seems disjointed.”

Former England defender Micah Richards concurred: “What’s impressive about Spain is their understanding of their roles and how they fit into the system. England, on the other hand, sometimes just focus on fielding their best players.”

Matt Upson, another former England defender who scored against Germany in the 2010 World Cup, added: “When Spanish substitutes come on, they seamlessly continue the same style of play – it’s a well-defined system. In contrast, we hope for an English player to come on and change the game, highlighting the difference between the two teams.”

De la Fuente deserves much credit

This marks the pinnacle of Luis de la Fuente’s career without a doubt.

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The 63-year-old has been at the helm of Spain’s national team since 2022, previously overseeing various players who are now part of the senior squad during his time with the U19s, U21s, and U23s.

He has now secured his third European Championship victory with Spain, having previously triumphed with the U19s and U21s before leading the senior team to glory.

Among the successful U19s squad in 2015 were Rodri, who was named the best player of Euro 2024, Mikel Merino, who netted the decisive goal against Germany in the quarter-finals, and first-choice goalkeeper Unai Simon.

The stars of the final – Oyarzabal, Merino, hat-trick hero Olmo, and regular starter Fabian Ruiz – all played a part in the U21s final in 2019.

Despite never managing in La Liga and facing a dismissal from his last club role at Alaves after just four months in 2011, De la Fuente’s familiarity with the players from their academy days has been instrumental in their growth as a cohesive unit.

“He deserves full recognition – along with his coaching staff and the players,” said Mata.

Balague further commented: “He is a manager who shies away from the limelight and has elevated Spanish football to new heights.

“Spain has overcome every challenge thrown their way – a feat that is not easily achieved.”

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