Spain’s ahead #19 Lamine Yamal, Spain’s midfielder #17 Nico Williams and Spain’s ahead #25 Fermin Lopez maintain the trophy after profitable the UEFA Euro 2024 remaining soccer match between Spain and England on the Olympiastadion in Berlin on July 14, 2024. (Photograph by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)
Spain conquered Europe for a document fourth time on Sunday as they beat England to win Euro 2024 and need this historic night time to be the start of a brand new interval of dominance.
Led by younger stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, 17 and 22 respectively, many in Luis de la Fuente’s excellent aspect will hit their prime within the years forward.
Between 2008 and 2012 Spain dominated worldwide soccer, profitable the Euros in these years and the 2010 World Cup within the center.
READ: Spain star Rodri named Euro 2024 finest participant
A fallow interval adopted with Spain falling badly quick in most competitions till reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2020.
It was a constructive signal however a final 16 defeat by Morocco on the 2022 World Cup spelled the top of Luis Enrique’s reign and the beginning of what was to return.
Now not depending on dominating possession, Luis de la Fuente’s Spain play to all kinds of strengths.
Typically they do maintain the ball, as within the second half of their semi-final win over pre-tournament favorites France, however usually are not afraid to go direct, with the speedy and skilful Williams and Yamal duo leaving full-backs for lifeless on the counter.
Spain’s soccer has modified however they’re hoping their domination of the worldwide stage might be repeated.
READ: Spain beats England to win thrilling Euro 2024 remaining
“The European champions have been deservedly topped, at present I’m even prouder and I hope this impulse will serve to be even higher,” mentioned De la Fuente.
“You may all the time enhance and that’s our goal… we are going to do it as a result of these gamers are an instance for everybody, they’re so good.”
Three of the celebs from their golden era, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and David Villa, watched on within the Olympiastadion as La Roja lifted a serious trophy for the primary time in 12 years.
Laughing inventory
Their elation in Germany comes after a troubled interval during which the Spanish soccer federation grew to become a worldwide laughing inventory.
After their sensible ladies’s group gained the World Cup in Australia final August, disgraced former president Luis Rubiales sparked worldwide controversy by forcibly kissing participant Jenni Hermoso.
The person who appointed De la Fuente as Luis Enrique’s substitute finally stepped down from his submit three weeks later below heavy stress from the federal government and the ladies’s gamers, who went on strike.
De la Fuente got here near the brink himself after applauding a fiery Rubiales speech initially refusing to resign, however apologized for it later, saying he was below “psychological stress” within the state of affairs.
The coach had additionally come below heavy scrutiny after a shock defeat by Scotland in Euros qualifying in March 2023, however steadied the ship by profitable the Nations League three months later, confirming Spain was heading in the right direction, at the very least on the sphere.
READ: Glowing Spain reaches Euro 2024 remaining the onerous approach
With the group not depending on stars from Actual Madrid and Barcelona, however as a substitute an actual combine together with a robust Basque contingent from Athletic Bilbao and Actual Sociedad, Spain believed in themselves and their plan, even when others seen them as missing gamers to compete with the likes of France and England for the trophy.
They beat each, in addition to hosts Germany and Euro 2020 winners Italy — the opposite 4 of Europe’s ‘huge 5’.
“This can be a dream, we’re one of the best nationwide group in Europe,” Rodri advised ITV.
“Think about what we now have subsequent — we’re so glad. We made historical past but it surely doesn’t cease right here, we now have expertise and we’ll maintain going.”
They gained Euro 2024 with out Barcelona midfielder Gavi, who suffered a foul knee damage in November, and the Catalan membership’s younger centre-back Pau Cubarsi, whom De la Fuente left behind this time, however will possible be a key part sooner or later.
Spain was additionally with out Pedri for the semis and remaining after he was harm early within the quarterfinal win over Germany.
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It’s clear why De la Fuente believes Spain’s current is brilliant however their future may be even brighter.
