BERLIN — Coach Luis de la Fuente celebrated Spain’s history-makers after beating England 2-1 in the final at the Olympiastadion on Sunday to become the first team to win the European Championship four times and warned there was more to come. remains.
Mikel Oyarzabal scored an 86th-minute winner after Nico Williams’ opener was canceled out by Cole Palmer as Spain made it seven wins out of seven at Euro 2024 without the need for a penalty, scoring 15 goals in the process, a tournament record Made a record.
On the way to the trophy, they had to beat holders Italy, hosts Germany and pre-tournament favorites France and England, but de la Fuente said he had always believed in Spain’s chances, even though a month earlier they were considered outsiders.
“It’s not that I thought we were favourites, but I thought we were in a position to win the tournament and we won,” the Spain boss told a news conference.
“It’s hard to improve on what we’ve done here, but this group can move forward because they never get tired of working hard, competing and trying to win.
“I’m proud of them and happy with the excitement we’ve generated back home. These players have made history and they still have a long way to go.”
Spain is ahead of Germany, having won three European Championships, and has now won the tournament three times since 2008.
Midfielder Rodri – who had to be subbed off at half-time with injury against England – recalled the generation that won back-to-back competitions in 2008 and 2012, as well as the World Cup in 2010.
“What a day, probably the best day of my sporting career,” he told reporters. “We are the best team in the European Championships.
“There’s been talk about previous generations who paved the way for us and now we’re champions of Europe. It’s an incredible day for everyone. We’ve made history.”
“We have beaten four previous World Cup winners so far. The mentality of this team… many of us have been European champions at youth level and now we are champions of Europe.”
Rodri was named Player of the Tournament after the final, while teammate Lamine Yamal was named Young Player of the Tournament, and he was tipped to win the Ballon d’Or this year after claiming the Premier League title with Manchester City. Demand is increasing.
“For me, Rodri is the best player in the world,” de la Fuente said. “Please, give him the Ballon d’Or now.”
The Spain coach also thanked his players for delivering a fourth European Championship in Berlin, stressing that he has always believed in them, even if others have not, in their second match against Scotland in 2023. After the defeat, his suggestions came in the media. The job was in danger.
“I always had confidence that my players believed in me,” he said. “For one and a half years, ever since I became in charge, they have been infallible.
“The only thing I was worried about was that the players had confidence in me and were convinced by what we said.
“Now it’s all about happiness, pride and enjoying this moment that we have earned because no one gave us anything for free.”
Spain’s success this summer has been characterized by a more direct style of play. While they still enjoy plenty of possession, they are also dangerous in transition with Williams and Yamal on the wings.
The two combined for the opening goal, with Yamal registering his fourth assist of the tournament and Williams, who was named Player of the Match, scoring his second.
“We have more versatility in our game while taking advantage of the characteristics of the players we have,” de la Fuente said of the new look. La Rosa,
“We have pace on the wings, control and possession in the middle and a very solid defense – which has given us great balance in all areas of the game.
“I think we have understood the demands of modern football. It’s a natural change and I think the time has come to make it.”
The Spaniards will remain in Berlin until Monday, when they return to Madrid, where they will take an open-top bus tour through the city, ending at the Cibeles Palace in the capital.
However, celebrations were already underway on Sunday, with fans gathering across the country to watch the win over England on the big screen.
De la Fuente hopes employers will understand if people show up late for work on Monday.
When asked about the scenes in his homeland, he said, “In Spain we are like that, for us it’s still midnight and today is a good reason to go out and celebrate.”
“I’m happy with how accepted it is in Spain. It’s a day to celebrate and no employer will be bothered in the morning because they will be celebrating too.”
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