BERLIN, Germany — When Spain last tasted Euro victory in 2012, their squad was synonymous with iconic individuals. Names like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Piqué, Iker Casillas, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, and Jordi Alba populated the roster. These legends from Real Madrid and Barcelona, famously setting aside their club rivalry, forged an unprecedented era of dominance, clinching Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012 consecutively – a feat unmatched in football history.
Euro 2024 tells a different story for Spain. While this team isn’t devoid of star quality, their triumph is rooted in a collective approach. Lamine Yamal, with his four assists in the tournament, is rapidly ascending to stardom. Rodri is globally recognized as the best in his position, a testament underscored by Spain’s seamless transition when Martín Zubimendi replaced him at halftime, barely missing a beat.
Nico Williams, the final’s opening scorer and Player of the Match, and Dani Olmo, contingent on fitness, also possess the potential to reach elite levels. Dani Carvajal, a seasoned veteran in his 30s, remains exceptionally talented. Yet, comparing this ensemble to the 2012 dream team in a hypothetical combined XI highlights a significant shift in Spain’s winning formula.
Spain’s Euro 2024 victory on Sunday wasn’t primarily about individual brilliance; it was a resounding endorsement of a footballing philosophy, a system of play, and a cohesive team ethic. Echoing Johan Cruyff’s famous adage that “plan B is simply believing more in plan A and executing it better,” Spain embodied this principle throughout the tournament. Their flawless run of seven wins, six within regulation time, established a new Euros record. In major men’s tournament history, only Brazil in 2002, boasting the legendary trio of Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho, had previously achieved such dominance. (The sole women’s team to replicate this feat was the U.S. at the 2019 World Cup).
In the Berlin final, Spain’s 4-3-3 formation, fluidly morphing into a 4-2-3-1 in possession, showcased their commitment to possession-based, high-pressing football. They weren’t hesitant to utilize the pace and directness of their gifted young wingers, Yamal and Williams, when opportunities arose. This clear tactical identity was meticulously crafted under Luis de la Fuente, a Spanish Football Association veteran. De la Fuente, a low-profile figure who climbed through the ranks over a decade, embodies the archetype of a dedicated public servant reaching the highest office through unwavering commitment.
De la Fuente’s connection with this squad runs deep. Key players like Fabián Ruiz, Dani Olmo, and Mikel Oyarzabal, who notably scored the decisive goal in the final, were instrumental in Spain’s 2019 U-21 Euro victory under his guidance. Mikel Merino, scorer of the quarterfinal winner against Germany in that tournament, and Unai Simón, Spain’s current first-choice goalkeeper, were also part of that winning U-21 team. Furthermore, Rodri, Merino, and Simón were members of de la Fuente’s 2015 U-19 Euro champions.
De la Fuente also led Spain’s Olympic team to a silver medal in Tokyo 2021, with Simón, Marc Cucurella, Zubimendi, Merino, Oyarzabal, Pedri (absent from this final due to injury), and Olmo all featuring.
This Euro 2024 victory is undeniably a testament to de la Fuente’s influence. These are “his” players, molded by his system, playing “his” way, regardless of his unassuming public persona.
Spain’s dynamic wing play, fueled by Yamal and Williams, and the addition of French-born defenders Robin Le Normand and Aymeric Laporte added further strength. However, this team wasn’t a mere collection of individuals. Their strength lay in their established foundation and shared history. This deep-rooted cohesion proved crucial as they navigated challenging moments throughout Euro 2024. Whether dominating Italy yet failing to convert early chances, enduring extra time against Germany, or conceding first against France in the semifinal, Spain remained composed and relentless. Their unwavering belief in their plan was evident.
This faith was tested in the final against Gareth Southgate’s England, who effectively stifled Spain’s rhythm in the first half, creating a congested midfield and minimizing space. The game became a slow, physical battle, with both goalkeepers largely untested until the 45th minute.
Did this disrupt Spain’s game plan? Not at all. They maintained their belief, adhered to their strategy, and executed it with greater precision, even after losing the influential Rodri. Their breakthrough goal, while aided by defensive errors from England, originated directly from de la Fuente’s tactical blueprint. Yamal’s cut-in from the right flank and Olmo’s central run perfectly illustrated their rehearsed attacking patterns. Yamal and Williams both came close to extending the lead immediately after.
Southgate’s substitutions – introducing Ollie Watkins for Harry Kane around the hour mark and Cole Palmer for Kobbie Mainoo with 20 minutes remaining – initially shifted the momentum. Palmer’s equalizer ignited the England supporters, and a sense of change filled the stadium. England’s attack gained impetus with Bellingham centrally positioned alongside Palmer, while Foden and Saka threatened from the wings, and Watkins stretched Spain’s defense.
However, Spain remained resolute, refusing to deviate from their approach. Yamal soon after missed a golden opportunity, and then Oyarzabal, who had replaced Morata, scored the decisive goal.
Such steadfast coaching, when successful, breeds unwavering confidence within the team. The dramatic late goalmouth scramble, featuring Simón’s crucial save from Declan Rice and Olmo’s header off Marc Guéhi’s attempt before Rice’s overshot rebound, further solidified Spain’s belief. Luck and chance undoubtedly played a role, but when fortune favors the bold, it reinforces the conviction that victory is destined. The subsequent chest bump between Cucurella and Olmo epitomized Spain’s unwavering resolve. They were not going to let this title slip away, and they didn’t.
Credit is due to the players, always, but equally to the process and system that nurtured de la Fuente and allowed this core group to develop cohesively over time.
Drawing definitive conclusions from short tournaments can be precarious due to their inherent unpredictability. However, when a team exhibits such dominance, composure, and unwavering focus, it’s impossible to ignore the underlying factors. It suggests that tactical ideas and a strong team identity are paramount, perhaps even more so than individual star power. And crucially, a team doesn’t necessarily need a celebrity manager to lead a national side.
What is essential is a coach with a clear plan, the ability to execute it effectively, and the trust and dedication of his players – qualities Luis de la Fuente demonstrably possessed as he guided Spain to a record fourth European Championship title at Euro 2024.
