After spending over a decade slowed down in disappointment, Spain waltzed their method again to soccer’s peak by reaching Sunday’s Euro 2024 ultimate in Berlin. Profitable two European Championships in 2008 and 2012, both facet of their 2010 World Cup triumph, La Roja had been set to dominate soccer for years to come back. Nonetheless, they fell from grace at astonishing pace. The gamers destined to exchange their golden era fell desperately quick. Spain’s 2014 World Cup defence resulted in early humiliation, battered 5-1 by the Netherlands, crashing out within the group stage.

The 2-time defending champions had been eradicated by Italy within the Euro 2016 last-16, with newspaper Marca labelling it “The Finish” for Vicente del Bosque’s La Roja.

Spain fell on the identical stage within the 2018 World Cup towards Russia on penalties, finishing over 1,000 passes however failing to harm the restricted hosts.

A greater displaying at Euro 2020 took a younger facet to the semi-finals however the 2022 World Cup last-16 defeat by Morocco was one other painful exit.

Nonetheless, the Spanish soccer federation believed the group was near the place they wanted to be.

They changed coach Luis Enrique with Luis de la Fuente, who had coached nationwide youth sides for years with success.

Regardless of early jitters, together with a 2-0 defeat by Scotland final yr, Spain caught with their little-known coach and at the moment are reaping the rewards.

De la Fuente earned their first silverware in 11 years by lifting the Nations League final summer season, pledging it was solely the start.

And so it proved, with La Roja the standout Euros group, dominating the hardest group that includes defending champions Italy, earlier than beating hosts Germany and France.

What they’ve achieved appears outstanding given their line-up boasts few recognisable stars past Manchester Metropolis midfielder Rodri.

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, 16, will dazzle the soccer world for years to come back and will earn that billing, however he’s solely simply beginning his profession.

On the alternative flank Nico Williams has additionally burst into the limelight and should get an enormous transfer this summer season from Athletic Bilbao.

Elsewhere the group options many ‘misfits’, together with Marc Cucurella who has struggled at Chelsea, Saudi Arabia-based Aymeric Laporte, and others who are usually not standouts for his or her golf equipment.

Nonetheless, their lack of superstars poses no issues. “I’ve 26 nice gamers and I am simply fortunate that they’re Spanish,” stated De la Fuente.

In contrast to ultimate opponents England, whose coach Gareth Southgate is typically reluctant to exchange struggling icons, or France constructing round a sub-par Kylian Mbappe, Spain settle for everyone seems to be on an equal footing.

“The large distinction to all of the (different) nations is that we’re a group and there’s no one chief above the remaining,” defined Barcelona’s Pedri earlier than the event.

De la Fuente, extra pragmatic than his predecessor, is making the most of his willingness to attempt totally different approaches.

Spain nonetheless take pleasure in possession but additionally launch the explosive Yamal and Williams, hearth in crosses and allow them to take dangers to beat their markers.

Whereas different coaches might need opted for one winger and a possession-friendly midfielder on the opposite flank, the 63-year-old goes full throttle with each.

Luis Enrique’s Spain tried to cross groups to loss of life however at instances in Euro 2024 La Roja have had lower than 50 p.c possession.

De la Fuente is aware of his gamers higher than most of his counterparts did on the event, having coached the overwhelming majority of them over the previous few years.

He received the U19 Euros with Spain in 2013 and the U21 Euros in 2019, plus silver on the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Seven of the beginning line-up that day have performed at Euro 2024.

“I do know the gamers very effectively, what we had out there to us and we wanted time to do what we’re seeing now,” stated the coach this week.

“I’m not stunned by it. Cooking this up… is an extended course of however we knew the selections and the trail we needed to take.”

That continuity has confirmed very important within the worldwide recreation the place coaches don’t sometimes have lengthy to work with their gamers and has taken Spain to the verge of glory as soon as extra.

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