After years of disappointment and hardship, Spain’s footballers danced happily in the rain of confetti. The first title in eleven years also came as a surprise to the Spaniards, who were once used to success.
Before the finals in the Nations League, there was already speculation about the future of coach Luis De La Fuente in the country of the 2010 world champion and 2012 European champion. The long-time youth coach seemed too pale for many to help La Roja shine again after the disappointing knockout round at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the subsequent resignation of coach Luis Enrique.
The bumpy start to the European Championship qualification with a late win over Norway and a defeat in Scotland seemed to confirm the 61-year-old’s critics. A semi-final defeat against Italy in Enschede last Thursday could have spelled the end for De La Fuente.
Nations League win on penalties
But after the 5:4 on penalties in the Nations League final against Croatia, he is in a row with the successful Spanish coaches José Villalonga (European Champion 1964), Luis Aragonés (European Champion 2008) and Vicente del Bosque (World Champion 2010 and European Champion 2012) – even if the Nations League does not have the status of an European Championship or even a World Cup title. “De la Fuente now has a free hand,” wrote “Marca” after the triumph.
“I haven’t even thought about it. I’m just happy that I can do this job,” said De La Fuente well after midnight at Rotterdam’s Stadion De Kuip. “The list of coaches who have won something with Spain is of course an illustrious one. But I’m just happy for Spain.”
Modric leaves the future open
A 2-1 win over Italy in the semi-finals was followed by a deserved success in the final against Croatia, which under the direction of Real Madrid star Luka Modric missed out on yet another major title. It is still uncertain whether the 37-year-old will continue to play in the national team and make a new attempt at the European Championships in Germany next year. De La Fuente would be happy. “I admire Luka Modric. I hope he continues because you never want great players to leave,” said the Spanish coach.
In the final, the Spaniards had the better chances in the 90 minutes and the following extra time. They had better nerves in the penalty shoot-out and the better goalkeeper in Unai Simón. The Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper made two saves before former Leverkusen player Daniel Carvajal converted the final penalty with a cheeky lob. “Spain is great again”, headlined the sports newspaper “As” enthusiastically.
Is the Nations League title the start of a new era? Like 15 years ago, when in 2008, 2010 and 2012 the European Championship, World Cup and then the European Championship were won again? “We’re looking forward to the European Championship next year and we can take a lot from this title win,” said Spain’s Champions League winner Rodrigo from Manchester City. De La Fuente doesn’t want to rule that out either. “The winless streak is now over and the future looks bright,” said the Spain coach. “I expect even more in the future and some nice occasions.”
