An emblematic phrase
What a phrase! So characteristic and rooted in our society. Since it became popular in Spain in the last century, it has been used to change the perception and image that the world had of our country, turning it into a world-renowned tourist destination. A phrase that we repeat over and over again every summer, and that we journalists have mentioned in recent weeks every time a foreign colleague asks us about Spain’s style of play.
Spain falls in love
Because Spain is so different that it captivates. And I’m not referring to tourism, but to football. A style that is unlike anything that came before, but that has not forgotten its identity either. Without losing its essence, without skimping on brilliance and with an aggressiveness that terrifies the rest of the teams. This team led by Luis de la Fuente becomes a favorite to win Euro 2024 with each passing game.
Spain’s ability to overcome
Spain knew how to suffer and recover. After Le Normand’s own goal, I must confess that I had my doubts about whether Spain would be able to turn around a match that, for the first time in this Euro 2024, started with an adverse result for La Roja.
But craftsmanship, calmness and good work turned what could have been a disaster into a brilliant match for a team that came back and overwhelmed a Georgia that had just defeated Portugal. But, although we are Iberian countries, we have nothing to do with football.
The potential of Spain
The possibilities of this team are unlimited compared to other nations. I know I’m repeating myself, but it’s a pleasure to see how Rodri organizes the game, how Fabián Ruiz creates opportunities and how Nico Williams takes advantage of the spaces. And I can’t forget Lamine Yamal, who also contributes to this very electric and combinative change of style.
The challenge of pressure
Although there were fears that Spain could succumb to the pressure as the rounds progressed, seeing what happened with Italy and almost with England, I am not afraid of facing Germany. We can beat them, as we showed in the last match of the group stage and in the match against Denmark in the round of 16. They have good players, they play at home and they can be a strong team, but they have fewer alternatives and more weaknesses than Spain, and I trust that Luis de la Fuente will know how to take advantage of them.
The defense, the weak point
Although today is a happy day because we are in the quarterfinals and we have finally left behind boring Spain, that of siesta and bad luck, I must admit that defense remains the weakest point of this well-cohesive team. I don’t like the centre-back pairing, although it is obviously better than in the first game. I think the combination of Laporte and Le Normand is the best, but I still feel that on many occasions they lack connection.
Spain, a different country
Today is a day of celebration, because we are in the quarterfinals and we have finally left behind boring Spain, that of siesta and bad fortune. This country has demonstrated its openness to verticality, dribbling, overflowing, speed and aggressiveness. This country is Spain and Spain is unique!
