Spain emerges as strong Euro 2024 contender

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By Martin Graham | 21st Jun 2024Two matches into Euro 2024, Spain has emerged as a formidable contender. Their latest performance, a 1-0 victory against Italy, secured their spot in the last 16 in Germany, becoming the second team to do so. The decisive moment came from Riccardo Calafiori’s own goal. With young talents Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal shining on the wings, Spain’s dominance over a lackluster Italy was evident. This impressive start follows their 3-0 thrashing of Croatia in their first Group B match, fueling hopes to end their 12-year trophy drought.

Football expert Guillem Balague praised this squad as “the best Spain team since 2012,” while BBC pundit Chris Sutton described their win over Italy as a “total mismatch.” Spain’s football supremacy between 2008 and 2012, marked by two European Championships and a World Cup Title, contrasts sharply with their recent underwhelming performances in major tournaments. Since 2016, Spain has been ousted in the last-16 stage of every World Cup and European Championship, with the exception of their semi-final run at Euro 2020.

Young talent and tactical masteryUnder the guidance of Luis de la Fuente, who assumed the managerial role in 2022 after leading the under-21 side to European youth glory in 2019, Spain has flourished. De la Fuente, who also led Spain to a Nations League title last year, believes his youthful and dynamic team is at its peak. Describing the recent performance as the best since he took charge, the 62-year-old manager is optimistic about their potential, stating that “the sky is the limit” for his squad. This sentiment is echoed by several BBC Sport pundits, who see this as the best Spanish team since their 2012 triumph.

Balague, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, highlighted the rare dominance Spain displayed over Italy, calling it “the perfect performance” with all the right elements. Premier League winner Sutton added that other teams would dread facing Spain in the knockout stages, reiterating that their victory over Italy was a “total mismatch.” Italian manager Luciano Spalletti also acknowledged Spain’s consistent display of top-tier football.

The youthful energy brought by Williams and Yamal, with a combined age of just 37, has been a significant factor. Sixteen-year-old Yamal garnered attention with his standout performance against Croatia, while Williams excelled against Italy. The Athletic Bilbao forward outplayed the experienced Italian right-back Giovanni di Lorenzo, showcasing his skills with a memorable nutmeg in the first half and a powerful shot that hit the crossbar. Williams’ performance earned him a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 78th minute, and his teammates applauded him in the dressing room post-match.

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane praised Williams on ITV1, noting his “pure quality,” pace, and versatility. Keane emphasized the positive impact of young talents on the team, who play without fear. BBC World Service’s John Bennett, present in Gelsenkirchen, expressed his astonishment at Williams’ talent, underscoring the bright future ahead for this exciting Spanish team.

Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer