Spain’s victory, a just reward for the most exciting team in the tournament

La Roja became the most successful nation in the history of the Euro by being crowned European champions for the fourth time, Sunday in Berlin, against England (2-1).

“Spain have probably been the best and most consistent team in this tournament”declared Harry Kane on the eve of the Euro final. The English captain found this out to his cost in the final on Sunday 14 July, with the victory of La Roja at the end of a match that they generally controlled and during which they, as usual, confiscated the ball from their opponents (70% possession).

But, if the trademark of the Roja has long been excessive possession, without necessarily combining it with efficiency and spectacle, the 2024 vintage has given much more pleasure to its supporters and football fans. With 15 goals scored, none from penalties, it beat the number of goals for a team in a Euro, all with a squad without a big star, but with young revelations like Nico Williams or Lamine Yamal, a phenomenon that we did not expect at this level, that of one of the best players of the tournament. The Barcelona player, who celebrated his 17th birthday the day before the final, was named best young player.

With these two precocious talents, Spain found a new verticality, made possible also by ball handlers with good vision of the game and a paw capable of launching their wingers and breaking lines with the pass. Rodri played this role of conductor to perfection and was also voted best player of the Euro, despite his exit at half-time of the final.

“De la Fuente has created a team without stars, a team with more enthusiasm than class, where the spirit of sacrifice and willpower stand out, while physical dedication is non-negotiable to put pressure on rivals.”writes the Spanish daily Sport. Because, if its offensive elements shone, they also helped defensively, with a pressing capable of stifling their opponents. Spain still crossed paths on its way to the title with Croatia, Italy, Germany, France and, therefore, England, which it beat convincingly, even if the first half of the final was far from brilliant.

“If we are not the Spain that we have shown so far, we have no chance. Only by relying on our strengths, by being ourselves, can we do it”warned Luis de la Fuente in a press conference on the eve of the match against England. Finally, his team managed to free itself in the second half to logically win against the Three Lions.

The key to success may also lie in the freshness of his men, whom he has managed to spare and involve by playing 25 of the 26 players on the list (only the third goalkeeper, Alex Remiro, has not played a minute). Men from more varied backgrounds than in recent years, with only two players from FC Barcelona, ​​Lamine Yamal and Pedri, and two from Real Madrid, Dani Carvajal and Nacho. The latter two, aged 32 and 34, could have played their last tournament with La Roja, but the next generation has shown that it is ready to take over. “We can be proud, because there is this present, but above all a great future that is coming”Luis De la Fuente was already smiling on Saturday.