Serious challenges await us.
Many liked Spanish football at the European Championships, so the first timid rumors of great success in the playoffs are being heard. On the eve of the group final against Albania, won prematurely by the Red Furies, I would like to talk about Spain in its new role as favourites. After the problems world Cup-2022 and relegation from Morocco, Luis Enrique managed to make way for his namesake de la Fuente in the national team. And so far the Spanish game is definitely not worse than that of France and England. The team has many advantages, although we will not forget about the disadvantages either.
For success. Huge talents
Although Spain are not the youngest team competing for the Euro, with veterans on the bench, 16-year-old Yamal and 21-year-olds Pedri and Nico Williams have stood out in the starting line-up. The forwards rejuvenate the starting lineup, we liked them in the first games. There is a lot of freshness, technical players and easy attackers. Create opportunities effortlessly. At the same time they don’t snort, as the English sometimes do, although there are also a lot of young talents there. A couple of guys like Wirtz and Musiala are enough for the Germans to believe and wait. The Spaniards hope that victories over Croatia and Italy are just the beginning of a long historic journey. And they will rely on the sincerity and thirst of the young kids. Pedri has more experience, but Yamal is yesterday’s son.
Against. Implementation of moments
Striker Morata went to the psychologist because he had a breakdown due to mistakes and criticism from fans after epic shots off target. And this is the whole captain of the Spanish national team. Although Alvaro was given a blindfold, apparently, only for moral support. Manchester City midfielder Rodri would have a leadership symbol on his shoulder which would seem more logical. Of the nine chances against Italy, the Spaniards did not score all of them, but they won thanks to an own goal. With the Croatians it was a nice coincidence: the ball flew into the goal without difficulty, but the Spaniards certainly won’t know how to play with the number two forever. There will also be problems with the execution of the playoffs, since it cannot be said that Spain has shown that they have a backup plan to manage the match in difficult moments.
For success. Performance in the League of Nations
It seems like a small thing, but in reality the victory over Croatia on penalties greatly helped coach de la Fuente to form a truly renewed team, not constrained by years of failures. Spain was slowly moving towards success in a major tournament, at least in the League of Nations. At Euro 2020 they were eliminated in the semi-final by Italy, also on penalties. But the Croatians were beaten in the League of Nations by the participants of the new continental championship: Simon, Laporte, Le Norman, Ruiz and Rodri. Now the team has new wingers and no Gavi, but many players have gained the last bit of experience the team needs. It cannot be compared with the decisive match at the Euro, but now victories in the Spanish national team have been added to the club experience of Laporte and Carvajal.
Against. The Germans are rivals
Switzerland failed to send Germany to the part of the group where England and France were waiting, formidable on equal terms. The Germans recovered at the end of the match and won Group A. This means that if the Euro hosts overcome their first opponent in the playoffs, such as the Spanish national team, then the teams will face each other in the quarterfinals. It is not easy to work against Germany within their walls. The opponents know each other and have played each other many times. But at this moment you absolutely cannot put Nagelsmann under de la Fuente. And this means that all the splendor can be erased before the finale. Such brilliant teams sometimes end up in the playoffs and it’s difficult to explain. The best players in the game don’t always end up with trophies.
For success. Underrated heroes
The first of them is coach de la Fuente. He knows the players because he worked with them in the youth teams. He turned out to be an intelligent and elegant specialist. The left winger Cucurella also had his moment of glory. Mark had previously only been praised in this way for Brighton at a lower level. Opornik Ruiz after a difficult season PSG also appreciated worldwide. Williams and Yamal are proving that they have the right to start, even if a year ago de la Fuente had other wing attackers. Center forward Morata is underestimated by Mister Simeone, who wants a man of steel in Atlético’s attack. But Alvaro manages to impose himself at the Euro. Everyone is motivated, from the goalkeeper to the attacker.
Against. Solidity deficit
Rational teams live longer in these tournaments. Who remembers the Spain matches onwards world Cup-2010, is in no hurry to criticize England for boring football. And in the Euro 2008 final, Spain gave up the ball against Germany to win the trophy. The old Red Furies, where there were many more football legends, worked for results. And the young girl was surprised by what happened against Croatia. But in the match against Italy they went back to their usual work with the ball and made mistakes. Enthusiasm remains a trump card during the match, and becomes a negative point if the fight doesn’t go well. So far this Spain has the final of the League of Nations, but does not have the last finals behind them world Cup and Euro, such as France and England respectively. And this difference could ultimately have an impact.
Readers’ opinions. Rate Spain as your favorite
According to the average scores, the Spaniards are now first in the tournament. But Germany is second and will be able to play against the hosts very soon. Portugal is in the top three, and this is also a potential opponent, but already at the semi-final stage. Going this way means gaining experience for a strong finisher. But in the decisive match, the survivor of the fight against England and France will emerge on the other side of the net. It is too early to crown Spain, but it is obvious that if we evaluate the start of the tournament, de la Fuente worked cleaner than his famous colleagues – Southgate and Deschamps.
