Identity and collective strength

Before the EURO 2024 final against England, the last time Spain won the tournament was in 2012. That was the era of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Iker Casillas, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso and Jordi Alba.

The legends of Real Madrid and Barcelona put aside their eternal rivalry to unite into a formidable force. They won three major tournaments in a row (EURO 2008, World Cup 2010, EURO 2012), a feat never before seen in football history.

This time, in 2024, things are different, but not because Spain lack superstars. Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Nico Williams, Dani Olmo, Dani Carvajal and Marc Cucurella all had excellent tournaments. However, La Roja's EURO 2024 title will be more about the strength of the collective than the brilliance of individuals.

Spain not only won the tournament, but also won all seven of their matches, six of which were victories in 90 minutes. That is an achievement that no team in the history of the tournament has ever achieved.

Spain's squad is a mix of youth and experience. Photo: Spanish Football Federation

Coach Luis de la Fuente has played a crucial role in La Roja's success. He has been involved in Spanish football for over a decade in various roles and at various levels. He also knows his players well, as many of the players in the Spain squad that won EURO 2024 played alongside De la Fuente at the U21 and U19 levels.

That's why they were always calm and rarely wavered. They had ideas, they had belief and eventually they won. That belief was tested by Gareth Southgate's England in the first half as the Three Lions tried to slow the game down. By the end of the first 45 minutes, neither team's goalkeeper seemed to have much to do.

However, in all circumstances, even when Rodri left the field, La Roja stuck to the original plan. The result was the opening goal for Spain through Nico Williams. It was still the familiar formula when Yamal launched a sharp pass into the penalty area for another player to finish.

Southgate then made changes and was rewarded with an equaliser from Cole Palmer. The England fans behind goalkeeper Unai Simon started cheering and forming a human "wave".

Unlike Southgate, De la Fuente was much calmer, still believing in his players, even when England dominated the field. In fact, Yamal had at least 2 good chances to finish the match but unfortunately missed both. But in the end, Mikel Oyarzabal - who came on for Alvaro Morata, spoke up at the right time in the 68th minute.

De la Fuente and his students deserve the EURO 2024 championship. Photo: Spanish Football Federation

Of course, the Spanish players' efforts throughout the 90 minutes must be acknowledged. But it was De la Fuente who nurtured it and the results came as a matter of course.

Many people believe that success in a tournament like EURO is often a matter of luck due to the short duration. However, look at how Spain dominated, remained calm and showed determination throughout the tournament in Germany.

England have stars worth more than £1bn but they lack ideas and identity, something Spain have shown so well.

Source: https://laodong.vn/bong-da-quoc-te/tay-ban-nha-vo-dich-euro-2024-ban-sac-va-suc-manh-tap-the-1366545.ldo