Spain crowned themselves as the sole record European champions with their fourth title. The victory in the final in Berlin is a logical consequence of the tournament, which very few could have predicted.
14.07.2024, 23:49
15.07.2024, 06:46
SDA
Before the final round in Germany, England were the bookmakers' top favorites to win the title, followed by France and the hosts. The fact that Spain, a nation from the second tier, triumphed in the end is only surprising at first glance, as is the fact that the Iberians eliminated all the tournament favorites in the knockout matches. On closer inspection, it was clear from the opening match against Croatia in Berlin that Luis de la Fuente's team could come full circle in the German capital.
Playful ease paired with defensive bite left all opponents biting their teeth out at the Spaniards. Sometimes "La Roja" played a wait-and-see game, as they did against Croatia, only to strike at the decisive moments. Sometimes they dominated the game, as they did against European champions Italy. They showed flexibility like no other nation at this tournament. Even when they fell behind, as they did against underdog Georgia in the round of 16 or against defensively strong France in the semi-final, the Spaniards did not allow themselves to be rattled. Their belief in their own strength was too great.
Yamal and Williams inspire
The wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal were outstanding in the team of the now four-time European champions. The 21-year-old from Athletic Bilbao and the FC Barcelona prodigy, who celebrated his 17th birthday the day before the final, enchanted the crowd and poked fun at their opponents. Time and time again. Without appearing arrogant. But with all the greater effect on their own game. No gimmicks, no unnecessary overstepping, just hook after hook, coupled with plenty of pace and a drive towards goal.
But it wasn't just the two youngsters who made the observers' eyes light up. In the center, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo, two extremely assured midfielders, pulled the strings, repeatedly setting the tone in attack. The team was orchestrated by Rodri. The 28-year-old conductor is able to read the game like no other, knows when a cross-field pass is needed to calm the game down or when he needs to play vertically to deploy the lightning-fast attacking players. It is not for nothing that Pep Guardiola has been relying on him at Manchester City for years and that he is currently regarded by many as the best six-man.
A rosy future
As talented as the team is and as good as the mix is, both in terms of age structure and the skills of the individual players, the architect of the team's success is the coach, Luis de la Fuente. The 63-year-old joined the association in 2013 and has known his players for years. He won the U19 European Championship title with Rodri and Mikel Merino in 2015 and achieved the same feat with the U21s four years later. Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo were the goalscorers in the final.
De la Fuente, who played 240 games at left-back for Bilbao, Sevilla FC and Alaves in the top Spanish league between 1980 and 1993, but was never called up for the national team, is now reaping the rewards of his work. The European Championship title with La Roja is the greatest success of his coaching career - so far. Because one thing seems clear. Although the Spanish national team has already reached the throne of Europe, it is still a long way from reaching its peak. Apart from captain Alvaro Morata and Daniel Carvajal, none of the key players are over 30 years old. Added to this is a never-ending source of talent. Spanish football has a bright future ahead of it.
