Dominant Journey to the EURO 2024 Final
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Dominant Journey to the EURO 2024 Final

July 12, 2024No Comments


Spain’s arrival in the final is hardly surprising, as most pegged them as the favourites from the outset. Nonetheless, it is no secret that few had anticipated them winning every single fixture, creating one of the most memorable runs in tournament history. 

As they prepare to face England, a team they have rarely encountered, it’s essential to understand what makes this Spanish side so formidable.

Spain’s Near-Perfect Qualification Run

Spain’s qualification for the EURO2024 was nearly flawless, marred only by a single loss to Scotland (2-0). Despite this, Luis de la Fuente’s team comfortably finished at the top of their group, securing a four-point lead. The rest of the group, consisting of Norway, Georgia, and Cyprus, was relatively weak in comparison.

The only match that stands out in the collective memory of the Spaniards is the game against Georgia, where Gavi suffered a significant injury. The young prodigy’s absence has been felt, and his recovery continues to be a talking point. Football can indeed be brutal and Gavi’s injury, stemming from his extensive playing time, was almost inevitable. 

Nevertheless, the rest of the qualification campaign presented minimal problems for the Spaniards. Despite the lack of strong opposition, the team’s performance indicated readiness and resilience ahead of the competition.

Spain’s Success in the Group of Death

When the draws for EURO2024 were announced, fans braced themselves as Spain was placed in Group B, widely dubbed the ‘Group of Death.’ 

This formidable group included the reigning champions, Italy (winners of EURO 2020), Croatia, and Albania. While Croatia might not have been at the same level as their 2018 peak, they still reached the 2022 Qatar World Cup quarterfinals, making them a force to be reckoned with.

There were plenty of reasons to believe the group would be entertaining, and it did not disappoint. La Roja probably surprised a few when they steamrolled the group, starting with a commanding 3-0 victory against Croatia. The warning was clear: the Spaniards were ready. 

Their second game, a 1-0 victory against Italy, may not have been as prolific in goals but remained an engaging fixture. Spain dominated the Italians but did not capitalize on all their chances, a common issue for La Roja.

As Croatia and Albania battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw, Spain was afforded the luxury of resting their stars and rotating for the game against Albania, which they also won. 

This strategic rotation, often overlooked by the media, allowed for the introduction of players who would become key in the knockout stages, such as Mikel Merino.

In the first game against Croatia Aymeric Laporte did not play, but he has since become a staple in the starting lineup alongside Robin Le Normand, much to the dismay of Nacho. However, in the crucial game against France, the backline featured Laporte and Nacho due to Le Normand’s suspension for accumulated yellow cards.

Knock-outs: Ground For Spain’s Unlimited Confidence

The Spaniards remain the only team to have won all their knockout matches in regular time, avoiding the need for penalty shootouts unlike their adversaries, England. This accomplishment will undoubtedly serve as a platform of immense confidence for the Spaniards as they approach the final.

Spain was paired with Georgia in the Round of 16. Georgia’s surprising 2-0 victory over Portugal had granted them an unexpected knock-out qualification in their first participation in the tournament.

Unfortunately for them, Spain was too tough for the inexperienced Georgians. Despite an initial 20-minute lead, Spain’s midfield maestros, Rodri and Fabián Ruiz, turned the game around with their clinical finishing.

Georgia was the usual mid-block team, but Spain’s relentless confidence and stamina proved to be too much for the Georgians to handle. This victory further bolstered Spain’s self-assurance, reinforcing their belief in their tactics and teamwork.

Defeating the Hosts: Spain’s Victory Against Germany

The quarterfinals were the biggest question for Spain’s doubters as they faced the host nation, Germany. For many experts, Spain and Germany were the favourites. Spain’s press conference was filled with talk claiming this was “a final before the final,” as one of the two European giants would bow down. 

The encounter proved to be every bit as entertaining and eventful as expected. La Roja dominated possession and controlled the pace, but found themselves struggling in the final third due to Julian Nagelsmann’s astute tactical adjustments. 

An 88th-minute equalizer from Germany sent the game into extra time, setting the stage for a tense conclusion.

While extra time often leads to cautious play and few chances, Spain had other plans. Mikel Merino rose above the German defense to head the ball past Manuel Neuer, securing a dramatic victory for Spain. 

This goal was particularly noteworthy as Spain isn’t typically known for aerial prowess, and Merino, not being one of their tallest players, exemplified a shift in the tactical approach of Spanish football.

France Dismantled By Spain 

Spain’s last hurdle before the final was France, a team that defeated Belgium and Portugal. Didier Deschamps’ team has been dull by all parameters, even failing to secure a win against Poland (1-1). France’s lack of cohesion and confidence was evident when they faced a buoyant Spanish team brimming with self-assurance.

Despite Kolo Muani opening the score within the first ten minutes, the Spaniards overwhelmed France. 

The French sat back, allowing Spain to seize control of the match. The Spaniards, known for their fluid and dynamic play, quickly responded. Lamine Yamal’s goal, followed by Dani Olmo’s brilliance allowed the Spaniards to impose themselves 2-1 over France.

Spain’s Central Players Key To Domination

One player many did not expect to see thrive was Dani Olmo, who had a minor role at the start of the tournament. However, Pedri’s injury eventually allowed Olmo to step up and work his magic.

This scenario is similar to EURO2020 when Olmo proved to be key as the creative leader of the team, filling a unique role as an attacker in the central channels of the pitch.

A big part of Spain’s dominance relied on their tactical approach, which created openings in the opposition’s defense and facilitated numerous attacking combinations. Fabián Ruiz, often criticized in the past, became the star of the tournament, often involved in goal-ending sequences as a box-to-bix midfielder.

Spain’s Success Driven by Young Talent

Many doubted Spain’s team, even within the country’s borders, primarily because of their reliance on young players. Ironically, the youngest of them, Lamine Yamal, was responsible for some of the most impactful moments in the final third. At the same time, his partner Nico Williams was also a key feature of the team’s attacking potential. 

Another point of scepticism was the defense, but the timely return of Aymeric Laporte allowed Spain to pair him with Le Normand.

Marc Cucurella was another player who proved to be defensively sound, a refreshing sight for fans used to Jordi Alba’s defensive shortcomings. It’s worth noting that Cucurella got his chance due to an injury of Valencia’s Jose Gayà. 

Not many expected Spain to be such a flexible team, given that Luis Enrique’s team was known to be rigid in their position of how football should be played. Luis de la Fuente, however, has shown a more pragmatic and adaptable approach, which has proven beneficial for the team.

Spain’s Edge in the Final

Spain enters the final as the favourite against England, scoring more goals and convincing their fans with dominant performances. However, England has been a resilient team throughout the campaign, with their best display coming against the Netherlands in the semifinals.

This serves as a warning for those who see Spain as the absolute favourite: the final will be a challenging affair. If Spain wins the midfield battle, they will secure victory. But underestimating England’s resilience could be a costly mistake.

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