BERLIN, Germany — The Spain national team’s Euro 2012 victory is often remembered for its constellation of superstars: Xavi, Iniesta, Sergio Ramos, Piqué, Casillas, Busquets, Alonso, and Alba. These were legends from Real Madrid and Barcelona who famously united, setting aside their club rivalry, to forge a dominant force. This legendary squad achieved a feat unmatched before or since – winning three consecutive major tournaments: Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012.
Euro 2024 is a different story for Spain, but not because of a lack of talent. Lamine Yamal, with his four assists in the tournament, is rapidly becoming a global star. Rodri is widely considered the best in his position worldwide. Interestingly, when Rodri had to be substituted at halftime for Martín Zubimendi, Spain’s midfield seamlessly maintained its high level of performance.
Nico Williams, who scored the opening goal in the final and was named player of the match, is another player on the cusp of superstardom. Dani Olmo, if he can maintain fitness, also possesses the potential to reach the highest level. Dani Carvajal, even in his thirties, continues to perform at an exceptional level. However, comparing this 2024 team to the 2012 squad in a hypothetical “Combined XI” highlights a clear difference in star power.
Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph on Sunday wasn’t primarily about individual brilliance; it was a victory for a collective idea, a specific style of play, and a cohesive team approach. Echoing Johan Cruyff’s philosophy that “plan B is simply believing more in plan A and executing it better,” Spain demonstrated unwavering faith in their system. Their Euro 2024 results speak for themselves: seven wins out of seven games, with six victories secured within regulation time. This unprecedented achievement in Euros history places them alongside only one other men’s major tournament team, Brazil in the 2002 World Cup, a team overflowing with talent like Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho. (In women’s football, only the U.S. at the 2019 World Cup has matched this feat).
In the Berlin final, Spain deployed a 4-3-3 formation, which dynamically shifted into a 4-2-3-1 in possession, which was frequent. Their game plan centered on possession-based football and relentless pressing. They effectively utilized their gifted young wingers, Yamal and Williams, to stretch defenses vertically when opportunities arose. This clear tactical identity was implemented by Luis de la Fuente, a long-serving Spanish Football Association figure. De la Fuente’s career path mirrors that of a dedicated civil servant who rises through the ranks to a leadership position, having spent over a decade working within Spain’s national team youth setups.
De la Fuente’s deep connection with many of these players is a crucial element of their success. Fabián Ruiz, Dani Olmo, and Mikel Oyarzabal, who notably scored the winning goal on Sunday, were all integral to his Under-21 team that won the Euros in 2019. Mikel Merino, scorer of the quarterfinal winner against Germany in that tournament, was also a key player. Unai Simón, Spain’s current first-choice goalkeeper, was also part of that Under-21 squad. Furthermore, Rodri, Merino, and Simón were members of de la Fuente’s Under-19 team that clinched the Euros in 2015.
Image alt: Jubilant Spain fans celebrate Euro 2024 victory in Madrid as seen in Euro 2024 results coverage.
De la Fuente also guided Spain’s Olympic team to a silver medal in Tokyo in 2021. The squad included Simón, Marc Cucurella, Zubimendi, Merino, Oyarzabal, Pedri (absent from this Euro final due to injury), and Olmo.
These Euro 2024 results are undeniably a product of de la Fuente’s leadership. This was his team, playing his style of football, despite any perceptions of him as an unassuming figure.
Spain’s attacking dynamism was fueled by the wing play of Yamal and Williams. The addition of French-born defenders Robin Le Normand and Aymeric Laporte provided further solidity. However, this team was not hastily assembled; its foundation was built over years of development. This deep-rooted cohesion likely explains their resilience throughout the tournament. Whether it was dominating Italy in the group stage but struggling to convert chances early on, enduring extra time against Germany, or conceding the first goal against France in the semifinal, Spain remained composed and persistent. They possessed a clear plan and unwavering belief in their approach.
This belief was tested in the final against Gareth Southgate’s England, particularly in a first half where England successfully stifled Spain’s rhythm. England congested space, disrupting Spain’s flow, resulting in a tight first half with no significant saves required from either goalkeeper until the 45th minute.
Did this disrupt Spain’s confidence? Not at all. Their faith in their system remained firm. They adhered to plan A and executed it with greater intensity, even after the setback of losing Rodri, arguably their most influential player. While England’s defense contributed to the opening goal, it originated directly from de la Fuente’s tactical blueprint, with Yamal cutting in from the right flank and Olmo arriving centrally. Yamal and Williams both had immediate opportunities to extend Spain’s lead soon after.
When Southgate introduced substitutions – Ollie Watkins for Harry Kane around the hour mark, followed by Cole Palmer for Kobbie Mainoo with 20 minutes remaining – and Palmer subsequently equalized, momentum seemed to shift. England’s supporters erupted, creating a surge of energy in the stadium. England’s attack gained dynamism with Bellingham in a central role alongside Palmer, while Foden and Saka posed threats from the wings, and Watkins constantly challenged Spain’s central defenders.
Was it time for Spain to adjust their tactics or counter England’s growing pressure? Again, no. Yamal soon after created perhaps Spain’s clearest chance of the match, and shortly after, Oyarzabal – who had replaced Morata as the central striker – scored the decisive goal, securing the Euro 2024 results in Spain’s favor.
This type of steadfast coaching, when successful, cultivates confidence and empowers players on the field. Dramatic moments, such as the late goalmouth scramble, with Simón’s crucial save from Declan Rice, followed by Olmo’s header off Marc Guéhi’s shot before Rice’s over-the-bar rebound, further solidified Spain’s belief. Luck played a role, but when fortune favors you, it reinforces the sense that it’s your night. The subsequent chest bump between Cucurella and Olmo perfectly encapsulated this sentiment. Spain were determined not to let victory slip away, and they didn’t.
Credit is due to the players, always, but also to the process and the system that nurtured de la Fuente and allowed the core of this team to develop together over time.
Drawing definitive conclusions from short tournaments can be misleading due to their inherent unpredictability. However, when a team exhibits such dominance, composure, and unwavering focus on their objective, it suggests something deeper is at play. Perhaps team ideas and identity are more significant than often recognized, and a high-profile celebrity coach isn’t always necessary to lead a national team (note to USSF).
Sometimes, what’s needed is simply a coach with a clear plan, the ability to execute it, and the trust of his players. This is precisely what Luis de la Fuente delivered as Spain secured a record fourth European Championship title, cementing their place in Euro 2024 results history.
