It doesn’t matter whether Spain or England become the winners of Euro 2024. There will be no doubt irrespective of the outcome of the final, that Spain have been the most standout team of the competition. It’s not only because they have won all six matches so far. It’s the verve, freshness and all-round ability they have displayed so far.
The favourites of the bookies ahead of the battle to be fought in Berlin against a side which has reached the final of the competition twice in succession, Spain have played a refreshing brand of football. The style has been totally different from what the champions from 2008 to 2012 had brandished. That was called ‘tiki-taka’ and based on possession. Once in a lifetime can a team play that variety with total authority and win three major titles in a row.
This bunch is more practical. They are not that attractive, but make up for it with their game awareness, eagerness and youthfulness. They are unafraid yet organised and don’t mind playing the defensive game with full gusto when pressed. Germany and France came hard at them in the second halves of the quarter-final and semi-final. The young Spaniards did not blink. Conceding an equaliser in the dying moments against Germany in Germany could have broken any team. Spain responded with a super-attacking effort in extra-time and forced a convincing winner.
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To be able to do that, score 13 goals in six matches and win every match in a tournament every other team has struggled to be consistent is remarkable. Look at the teams they have beaten. Croatia, Italy, Germany, France — these are superpowers. And, they have done that with an unmistakeable element of fearlessness. Not just England, any opposition will be afraid of them.
How many teams reach the European football championship final with so many youngsters? Spain, under manager Luis de la Fuente, have dared to field a number of them. Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Nico Williams are obviously at the forefront. There are others just above 20, who were part of a highly impressive side which lost to Italy in the semi-finals on tie-breaker three years ago.
Spain have come back with a lot more purpose and steel. They are not obsessed with defence and look to press high. The most evident intention is to score, from wherever possible. Yamal’s wonder goal against France or Mikel Merino’s dramatic winner against Germany are just two examples. They have done this all through and in some style. Other heavyweights with more experienced players have not been able to show such conviction.
More importantly, they defended with equal commitment when cornered. There were nervy moments against Germany and France. A team consisting of so many youngsters could have wilted under that pressure, but Spain resisted with confidence and exuberance. They are heralding a new era in their country’s glorious recent history. Expect them to cause a few headaches for England in the final of a tournament marked by some dull and dreary football from the other heavyweights.
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