Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

5 minutes read. Updated 10:11AM GMT Mon, 15 July, 2024

Football often divides opinion, but Spain’s victory at Euro 2024 united fans globally, as their success was universally recognized as well-deserved. La Roja achieved a historic feat by winning all seven of their matches without needing penalties, a first in European Championship history. Their 2-1 win over England in the final marked their unprecedented fourth European title.

Spain’s journey to glory was anything but easy. They triumphed over every other European nation that has ever won a World Cup – Italy, Germany, France, and England, along with the 2018 finalists Croatia. This remarkable path culminated in their victory in Berlin.

Key to their success was Rodri, who was named player of the tournament. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal emerged as the young player of the tournament, with Dani Olmo sharing the Golden Boot and Yamal leading in assists. Despite not being the favorites, with England and France tipped for success, Spain’s performance silenced doubters.

Even England’s manager, Gareth Southgate, acknowledged Spain’s superiority. “Congratulations to Spain. They deserved to win not only tonight but throughout the whole tournament,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

A Win for Football?

Spain’s 2024 team differed from the one that dominated global football over a decade ago, winning Euro 2008, Euro 2012, and the 2010 World Cup. While the previous team focused on a passing game with midfield maestros Xavi and Andres Iniesta, the current squad relied heavily on their wingers.

Nico Williams opened the scoring in the final, and substitute Mikel Oyarzabal secured the late winner, both set up by Yamal. Williams and Yamal, close friends, celebrated their birthdays on the tournament’s final weekend, turning 22 and 17, respectively. Barcelona’s Yamal made history as the youngest player to play, score, assist, and win at the European Championship.

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton praised Spain’s brand of football on BBC Radio 5 Live: “It is a good thing for football that Spain won the tournament with the style they played.”

BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, a former Barcelona player, added, “It is a hard defeat for England to take, but in some ways, it is a victory for attacking football.”

Former Spain midfielder Juan Mata, speaking on BBC One, expressed his pride: “We played great football, always tried to win, and we deserved this tournament. We have a mix of young and experienced players, and this team has a bright future.”

Spain’s victory was also a testament to their tactical prowess. Despite criticisms of England’s perceived negative tactics, Spain’s cohesive team play stood out. England, boasting top players like Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane, struggled to match Spain’s fluidity.

Chris Sutton highlighted the difference: “Spain played the beautiful game, while England didn’t. Spain is a team, whereas England is made up of bits and pieces.”

Ex-England defender Micah Richards agreed, praising Spain’s well-defined roles: “This Spanish side knew their roles and executed them perfectly. With England, it often felt like just getting the best players on the pitch.”

Former England defender Matt Upson observed, “Spanish substitutes come on, and the system remains intact. England’s approach relies more on individual brilliance.”

De la Fuente’s Masterstroke

Luis de la Fuente’s leadership was instrumental in Spain’s triumph. Appointed as Spain’s senior manager in 2022, he had previously coached many current first-team players at youth levels. This Euro 2024 victory marked his third European Championship win, having previously succeeded with the U19 and U21 teams.

Rodri, named the best player of Euro 2024, Mikel Merino, who scored the quarter-final winner against Germany, and first-choice goalkeeper Unai Simon were all part of de la Fuente’s successful U19 team in 2015. Key final contributors Oyarzabal, Merino, Olmo, and Fabian Ruiz were part of the U21 team that won in 2019.

Despite not having managed in La Liga and being sacked from his last club job at Alaves in 2011, de la Fuente’s familiarity with his players proved invaluable. Juan Mata commented, “De la Fuente knew these players from the academies, and they are growing as a team. He deserves all the credit.”

Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague praised de la Fuente: “He has taken national football to new heights. Spain has beaten everyone put in front of them, and that is no easy feat.”

For more insights into Spain’s football journey, visit BBC Sport and explore the detailed coverage on UEFA.