The 2024 UEFA European Championship is just around the corner, and Leisu Sports brings you a series of profiles on the 24 teams that have qualified for the finals. Today’s focus is on one of the tournament favorites and the renowned “Matadors,” Spain. In Spanish, the team is known as La Furia Roja, translating to “The Red Fury.”
Overview: Veterans step aside, young talents take over as Spain aims to recreate the “Golden Generation”
The Spanish men’s national team is a powerhouse in European and world football, established in 1920. They have participated in 11 European Championships, reaching the final stages consecutively for eight editions, including this year. Spain has lifted the trophy three times, in 1964, 2008, and 2012.
In the 2020 Euros, Spain reached the semi-finals but lost to Italy on penalties, failing to advance to the final. For Euro 2024, they are drawn in Group B alongside Croatia, Italy, and Albania, considered a “group of death.” Despite an abundance of talent and emerging stars, Spain is no longer seen as a strong favorite to win the title.
During the 2024 Euro qualifiers, Spain played in a group with Scotland, Norway, Georgia, and Cyprus. With a record of 7 wins and 1 loss, they secured their place in the finals comfortably, scoring 25 goals and conceding only 5. Their average possession rate of 67.63% and pass accuracy of 90.75% highlight their continued dominance in the style of play known as “tiki-taka,” demonstrating their ability to control matches despite generational changes.
Head Coach and Key Players: Rodri leads a formidable spine, Manager De La Fuente lacks star power
After being eliminated by surprise package Morocco in the Round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, coach Luis Enrique stepped down. In August of the same year, Luis de la Fuente took over a relatively inexperienced Spanish national team. Unlike his predecessors, de la Fuente has a less prominent profile, both as a player and a coach, with limited standout achievements. He previously managed the Spanish youth teams, guiding them to a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where they lost 1-2 to Brazil in the final.
De la Fuente’s coaching philosophy reflects his background, focusing on nurturing young players while adhering to traditional football principles. His tactics rely on a target forward’s hold-up play and aerial prowess, with a heavy emphasis on the quality of crosses from the wings. In his first 12 games in charge, Spain has won 8, drawn 2, and lost 2, giving him a winning percentage of 66.67%. The Euros will be the true test of this team’s credentials.
While the manager may not be a household name, the Spanish squad is filled with stars. Leading the attack is José卢, who scored two goals in Real Madrid’s Champions League semi-final second leg and netted 4 goals in the qualifiers, contributing 16 goals and 3 assists for Real Madrid across all competitions this season, despite limited playing time. Morata, with 4 goals in the qualifiers and 20 goals and 4 assists for Atlético Madrid, has shown he’s getting better with age.
Other notable players include Barcelona youngster Yamar, who, despite being just 16 years old, already boasts a 75 million valuation and is a key figure in Xavi’s team. His dynamism and technical skills provide a potent attacking force. Also, keep an eye on Real Sociedad’s top scorer Oyarzabal, Athletic Bilbao’s winger Williams, and Wolves’ attacker Sarabia.
In midfield, the mainstay is Manchester City’s Rodri, whose form and contribution to the team could easily warrant a claim as the world’s best defensive midfielder. A key figure in City’s maiden UEFA Champions League triumph in 2023, he remains an indispensable player for Pep Guardiola. Elsewhere, Real Sociedad’s Zubimendi garners attention, with his intercepting and organizing skills pivotal to the club’s recent success, attracting interest from Barcelona and Arsenal. Barcelona’s Gavi and Pedri, although talented, have seen their form dip along with the club, and their involvement in the Euros depends on their performance. De la Fuente seems to favor Villarreal’s Baena and PSG’s Ruiz, often pairing them in midfield during the qualifiers.
At the back, Carvajal and Lenglet are regulars, while Laporte, despite moving to the Middle East, remains a key figure in the national team. Brighton’s wing-back, Gilmour, has had an exceptional season, and his versatility could be a valuable asset. Barcelona’s young talent, Kuba?i, has emerged, but his lack of experience might limit his role. On the other hand, Cucurella, who rediscovered his form at Chelsea, is likely to reclaim a starting spot.
In goal, Spain’s new number one, Raaya, has displaced Ramsdale as Arsenal’s preferred goalkeeper, earning the Premier League Golden Glove despite the season not yet concluded. Standing tall despite his modest height, he excels in catching crosses and possesses excellent distribution, setting standards for modern goalkeepers. Kepa’s career trajectory has been on a downward slope, and he has faded from the national team picture. In friendly matches, Simon has often been the first-choice goalkeeper.
Spain’s Euro History Overview
1960: Did not qualify.
1964: Won their first European Championship.
1968, 1972, 1976: Failed to qualify in three consecutive tournaments.
1980: Finished group stage with 1 draw and 2 losses.
1984: Reached the final, losing 0-2 to Michel Platini-led France.
1988: Finished group stage with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss.
1992: Did not qualify.
1996: Reached the quarter-finals, eliminated by England on penalties.
2000: Reached the quarter-finals, losing 1-2 to France.
2004: Finished group stage with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss.
2008: The Golden Generation emerged, winning the tournament with a goal from Torres against Germany in the final.
2012: Defeated Italy 4-0 in the final, with Silva, Alba, Torres, and Mata finding the back of the net.
2016: Reached the Round of 16, eliminated by Italy.
2020: Reached the semi-finals, losing to Italy on penalties.
Outlook for Euro 2024
As three-time European champions, Spain’s performances in major tournaments have w