Today, Spain became the first nation to win the European Championship four times after beating England in a spirted match in Berlin.
Three of their European championships have come since 2008, making them champions in three of the last five championships. Importantly their 2008 and 2012 championships bookended a 2010 World Cup win, the first in their nation's history.
However, since 2012 Spain have looked a team adrift. Their tika taka, death by a thousand passes approach that won them the 2008, 2010, and 2012 titles, had become predictable. Oftentimes, their play lacked a killer instinct, and goals were few and far between.
However, things seem to have changed for the better with the appointment of their current coach Luis de la Fuente. He has brought a more aggressive, possession with purpose style of play and has also ushered in a new generation of players, including the fantastic 17 year old Lamine Yamale from Barca and Nico Williams from Atletico Madrid.
Today, these young man and the rest of the Spanish players were too much for England. Coupled with their UEFA Nations League title last year, Spain look to be the dominant men's team in Europe - just like their women's team whose World Cup victory we witnessed in 2023 in Australia.
I cannot wait to see the Spain team in the USA in the 2026 World Cup, where they have to be considered one of the favorites.
Until then, vamos Espana! You are truly cuatra reyes (four time kings)!
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