The dominance of the Spanish team in the period 2008-2012 has brought a new perspective to an elite team. However, the subsequent collapse was swift, dramatic and prolonged. Spain have won just one match at each subsequent World Cup after their 2010 title and have never progressed past the round of 16 since then.
After successfully defending the championship at EURO 2012, La Roja suffered an alarming decline in 2016. And even though it reached the semi-finals of EURO 2020, this achievement could not create any specific momentum.
But at EURO 2024 , they not only found the right balance but also found their ideal style. Not only did they win the championship, but they also won all 7 matches on this journey. Remember, before Spain, only Brazil could do this at a major international tournament (World Cup 2002).
Spain has found a new version of itself, one that consistently outperforms its opponents at EURO 2024. And even more worrying for the rest of world football is that this is just the beginning. the beginning.
In some ways, it is hard not to sympathize with Gareth Southgate and perhaps England. After all, they worked hard to build the current generation only to fail in two finals. Meanwhile, a completely new Spanish team appeared and defeated the "Three Lions".
"We did it in a way that could hardly have been better. It's a group of players who never tire of improving, competing and wanting to win. I've been very proud of them from day one.
We have stuck to one idea and we have different ways of playing depending on the phase of the match. We have a great generation of players and they will continue to develop," said coach Luis de la Fuente.
Like Southgate with England, De la Fuente has been involved with Spanish football for more than a decade in many different roles and levels. His experience leading the U19 and U21 teams helps him understand his students better than anyone else.
"This is a brilliant generation. There are many players who have previously been successful in the Spanish youth team and this often leads to future success. I wouldn't go so far as to compare with the generation of 2008 -2012, but we want to make history" - De la Fuente said before the final against England.
The development of football is not linear, but it would not be surprising to see Spain progress further thanks to the clarity of style, of team building, of attacking and defeating opponents. defense.
Not only compared to England or France - teams that have been criticized for not making the most of the talent in the squad, Spain is currently different from its previous self. Spain went to Germany to win, not to avoid defeat. They don't have many stars but they have plenty of courage.
The current generation of Spain may not win three major titles in a row but they will certainly be a formidable challenger to all opponents.
