Winning their first title in 1964 and marking an era of dominance from 2008 to 2012, Spain struggled to reach the same heights. The failure to replace the waning stars or appoint a coach to align with the team’s style of play deteriorated La Roja’s results in major tournaments. However, everything changed in Euro 2024 when a new generation of talented players emerged, guided by a manager who laid the foundation of the current team from the youth level. Now with the senior side, Luis de la Fuente gave Spain the ultimate gift ever helping them secure the Euro Championship a record fourth time.
La Roja shined in their revolutionary style of play, possession and quick attacking football but also defensively solid at the same time. The main reason for the success was keeping control of the game by possessing an elite mentality irrespective of the situation. Therefore, Spain maintained momentum and exerted dominance in the tournament. The raw talent in the team aided their journey with 17-year-old Lamine Yamal becoming the future star with four assists and scoring a screamer in the semifinals. Dani Olmo produced the nuggets for scoring with a solid back-four and stable starting eleven ultimately sealing the trophy.
Here is the brief of Spain’s journey in Euro 2024 to lift the trophy:
Spain 3-0 Croatia (Group Stage, Match 1)
Spain faced a familiar foe in their tournament opener, a prominent challenge in Croatia capable of disrupting a positive start. However, La Roja did not make it a close fight breezing past the opponent with a 3-0 statement victory. Strikingly, all the goals came in the first half with Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal scoring and Unai Simon also saved a spot-kick after the break to put the cherry on the cake. The result showed the intent for the side in the competition as their dominance began.
Spain 1-0 Italy (Group Stage, Match 2)
Facing the arch-rivals Italy in the second group stage game, their elimination from the semi-finals on penalties in the previous edition might have stuck into Spanish minds. So, when they stepped onto the pitch they made sure to leave no stones unturned in their rage for revenge. In the end, a forced own goal by the Azzurri made the difference but De la Fuente’s side pulled the strings in the entire game and were deserved winners against a lacklustre opposition.
Albania 0-1 Spain (Group Stage, Match 3)
Winning the first two games secured their spot in the knockouts by clinching the top position in the group, rendering the final group match against bottom-placed Albania a mere formality. A much-changed Spanish squad claimed another 1-0 victory with Ferran Torres netting the goal in the 13th minute. La Roja escaped the group stage with a 100% winning record, something they will maintain throughout the competition.
Spain 4-1 Georgia (Round of 16)
The Nations League winners hit their topmost level in the last-16 tie against debutant and surprise team Georgia who beat the other Iberian side, Portugal in the last game. However, they did so after conceding and trailing for the first time in the tournament. Le Normand inadvertently turned a cross into his own net, with another giant-killing situation brewing. Spain were able to turn the screw around with Rodri, Ruiz, Nico Williams and Dani Olmo registering the biggest win in Euro 2024.
Spain 2-1 Germany (Quarterfinals)
The first real fight in the tournament for Spain was thrown by host Germany in the quarterfinals, being equally if not better team than them. An entertaining game spanned out with both sides continuously threatening the opposition’s box through their all-firing attack. The Spanish armada was dealt with an injury blow after Pedri withdrew in just the seventh minute of the match and eventually out of the tournament. His substitute Dani Olmo ensured the team didn't feel the midfielder's absence by scoring the opener early in the second half. The leaders then relied on defensive solidity to take them through but their resistance was broken by Florian Wirtz nearing the end of 90 minutes. Despite that, the hosts failed to mount a comeback with Spain finding a 119th-minute extra-time winner from a lethal header by substitute Mikel Merino.
Spain 2-1 France (Semi-finals)
No challenge felt greater for Spain in the tournament as they slew another juggernaut in France in the semifinals. Although Les Bleus struggled to score goals from open play, Randal Kolo Muani gave them an early positive start. However, it did not bore fruit in the end as La Roja was accustomed to facing any situation. Showing their elite mentality again, Spain overturned the deficit with Lamine Yamal scoring a screamer and Olmo getting on the scoresheet again within minutes. Taking advantage of Didier Deschamps’s side’s inability to score goals and an out-of-form Kylian Mbappé, they stood their ground firmly and qualified for their fifth Euro Championship final.
Spain 2-1 England (Final)
It would have been a shock if Spain did not win the Euro 2024 final being head and shoulders above others. England was desperate to end their 58-year trophy drought having reached a consecutive tournament final and the pressure caught up to them. While La Roja also felt the pressure to deliver, the chance to create history with the upcoming group of golden generation motivated them. Once again scoring early in the second half holding the momentum gave them control of the match but the Three Lions picked their cause with Cole Palmer’s equaliser. However, Spain with their elite mentality did not let the nerves get over them again finding the winner through Mikel Oyarzabal helped by tournament star Dani Olmo making a goal-line clearance at the death.
