- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,255,745
- Reaction score
- 59
Spain have shown that their previous vast success highlighted by the 2010 World Cup title was no fluke as they have done it again.
Like 16 years ago, La Roja added the world title to that from the European championship but it doesn't stop there.
Spain are the first nation to be world champion on the men's and women's side at the same time. Sunday's 1-0 triumph in New Jersey over Argentina came just days after the nation's under-19 teams won men's and women's European titles.
In all, Spain's men and women have won 16 titles over the past five years from U17 to senior level, the BBC has counted. They also include men's Olympic gold in 2024.
New generation
A hugely talented new golden generation led by captain and Golden Ball winner Rodri, teenagers Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo has now made their mark, taking over from the 2010 heroes such as Iker Casillas, Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Ramos.
"A match that will change the history of a country and a generation for ever. Spain must no longer look at 2010 as a one-off experience," Mundo Deportivo wrote.
Goalkeeper Unai Simón, who let in only one goal in the eight matches and set a World Cup record of 649 minutes without conceding across two tournaments, expressed hope that more will follow.
"We had to wait 16 years for this moment. I hope that this time we only have to wait four years for the next star," Simón said.
Spain won another Euro title in 2012 but then went out in the World Cup group stage in 2014, and in the last 16 in 2018 and 2022.
Successful run
Success returned with the Euro 2024 title and the team is now unbeaten in 38 matches (the defeat on penalties against Portugal in last year's Nations League final officially counting as a draw).
The mastermind is coach Luis de la Fuente, who arrived in 2023 and has lost just three of his 49 matches in charge. He didn't come from a successful club career but from coaching Spain's U19 and U21 teams for many years and thus knowing many players for a long time.
"I’m so proud of this generation of footballers who have grown up with this philosophy, remained true to it, made it even better, and set an example as a team and a family – they’re great footballers with exceptional talent," de la Fuente said.
Right back Pedro Porro said that the coach "believed in me from the very first moment. Not just at this World Cup, but ever since I made my debut for him with the Under-21 team."
Dominant play
Spain in a way suffocated all opponents with their metronomic play after starting with a surprise 0-0 draw against debutants Cape Verde, culminating in a 2-0 against top favourites France in the semi-finals and Sunday's win for the title against Lionel Messi's Argentina.
"To keep up this way of playing, this level and this focus across eight matches brought us the title," Simón said.
The team was the star as the biggest name player Yamal had a rather quiet tournament by his standard with one goal and one assist - but for de la Fuente something else mattered.
"I am seriously grateful that he sacrificed himself for the collective," the coach said.
Spain were returning home on Monday and set for a huge celebration later in the day in Madrid with expected hundreds of thousands of fans.
"We are really looking forward to returning to Spain. many people couldn't be here and we want to celebrate with everyone. I think we deserve a good celebration," defender Marc Cucurella said.
Continue reading...
Like 16 years ago, La Roja added the world title to that from the European championship but it doesn't stop there.
Spain are the first nation to be world champion on the men's and women's side at the same time. Sunday's 1-0 triumph in New Jersey over Argentina came just days after the nation's under-19 teams won men's and women's European titles.
In all, Spain's men and women have won 16 titles over the past five years from U17 to senior level, the BBC has counted. They also include men's Olympic gold in 2024.
New generation
A hugely talented new golden generation led by captain and Golden Ball winner Rodri, teenagers Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo has now made their mark, taking over from the 2010 heroes such as Iker Casillas, Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Ramos.
"A match that will change the history of a country and a generation for ever. Spain must no longer look at 2010 as a one-off experience," Mundo Deportivo wrote.
Goalkeeper Unai Simón, who let in only one goal in the eight matches and set a World Cup record of 649 minutes without conceding across two tournaments, expressed hope that more will follow.
"We had to wait 16 years for this moment. I hope that this time we only have to wait four years for the next star," Simón said.
Spain won another Euro title in 2012 but then went out in the World Cup group stage in 2014, and in the last 16 in 2018 and 2022.
Successful run
Success returned with the Euro 2024 title and the team is now unbeaten in 38 matches (the defeat on penalties against Portugal in last year's Nations League final officially counting as a draw).
The mastermind is coach Luis de la Fuente, who arrived in 2023 and has lost just three of his 49 matches in charge. He didn't come from a successful club career but from coaching Spain's U19 and U21 teams for many years and thus knowing many players for a long time.
"I’m so proud of this generation of footballers who have grown up with this philosophy, remained true to it, made it even better, and set an example as a team and a family – they’re great footballers with exceptional talent," de la Fuente said.
Right back Pedro Porro said that the coach "believed in me from the very first moment. Not just at this World Cup, but ever since I made my debut for him with the Under-21 team."
Dominant play
Spain in a way suffocated all opponents with their metronomic play after starting with a surprise 0-0 draw against debutants Cape Verde, culminating in a 2-0 against top favourites France in the semi-finals and Sunday's win for the title against Lionel Messi's Argentina.
"To keep up this way of playing, this level and this focus across eight matches brought us the title," Simón said.
The team was the star as the biggest name player Yamal had a rather quiet tournament by his standard with one goal and one assist - but for de la Fuente something else mattered.
"I am seriously grateful that he sacrificed himself for the collective," the coach said.
Spain were returning home on Monday and set for a huge celebration later in the day in Madrid with expected hundreds of thousands of fans.
"We are really looking forward to returning to Spain. many people couldn't be here and we want to celebrate with everyone. I think we deserve a good celebration," defender Marc Cucurella said.
Continue reading...
