The Spanish Football Federation has become a laughing stock around the world but the national team goes to Euro 2024 ready to turn a new page after a decade of disappointment.
Between 2008 and 2012, La Roja dominated world football, winning the European Championship and the 2010 World Cup in between.
Since then, Spain’s form has declined and it took the team 11 years to win another trophy, a drought that ended last year with victory in the Nations League.
Months later, president Luis Rubiales resigned in disgrace following the forced kissing incident at the Women’s World Cup and the federation is under investigation for an alleged corruption scandal.
The co-hosts of the 2030 World Cup are beginning to worry that their hosting rights may be stripped away.
Just as the women’s team triumphed in Australia despite surrounding controversy, including a players’ walkout before the tournament, the men’s team will be looking to block out the noise in Germany.
Their technical ability is unquestionable: Luis Enrique’s Spain played out the manager’s usual gamut of passing maneuvers at the 2022 World Cup, only to lose to Morocco in the round of 16.
Spain lacked a star player, someone with the X-factor to break down well-organised defences with attacking technique, speed and flashes of genius.
Spain, under manager Luis de la Fuente, have spotted a young talent in Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who is just 16 years old.
The teenager has burst into the spotlight this season and become a key player for the club.
– “Defining an era” –
Yamal has been Spain’s big hope this summer despite only making a handful of appearances for the national team.
His brilliant performance against Brazil in March gave Spain confidence they could compete for the title this summer.
Behind Yamal are other promising up-and-coming players, including Barcelona teammate Pau Kubalsi and Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.
“I think we are looking at two players who could define an era at the club and even in world football,” Barcelona’s then-manager Xavi Hernandez said earlier this year.
Spain pivot Rodri, a key figure and clever brain in the midfield, has been hugely impressed with Yamal.
“We already know what he can do. When you see him on the pitch you don’t think he’s that old,” the Manchester City player said.
Few would claim that De la Fuente is a manager at the same level as his predecessor, but a slightly more pragmatic mindset suits Spain well.
The coach will not hesitate to send an aerial pass to target man Joselu as a Plan B, or send a speedster out wide on the counter-attack, even if it means the team is more likely to lose the ball as a result.
Of course, Spain’s main strength remains the same, with players who possess incredible passing ability and excellent technique, their desire to control the game and having the means to achieve it.
Spain are not among the top favourites to win the tournament, being drawn in a tough group with Italy, Croatia and Albania, but their young stars could take the team far.
rbs/as
