Spain's triumphant Euro 2024 campaign was not without its moments of controversy and exposed certain vulnerabilities within the team. Despite ultimately lifting the trophy, a closer look reveals that Spain's perceived "biggest flaw" – a sometimes shaky defense – might not have mattered as much as initially feared, thanks to a combination of tactical adjustments, individual brilliance, and a bit of luck.
Throughout the tournament, concerns lingered about the Spanish defense, particularly the center-back pairing of Aymeric Laporte and Robin Le Normand. Some analysts suggested their lack of teamwork and consistency could be exploited by strong attacking teams. Moreover, the full-backs were also identified as potential weak points, with opponents looking to target them in one-on-one situations. These concerns were amplified by the fact that Spain faced a challenging knockout stage draw, potentially pitting them against attacking powerhouses like Germany, Portugal, and France.
One particular moment of controversy highlighted these defensive frailties. In the quarter-final against Germany, a shot struck Marc Cucurella's hand inside the penalty area during extra time. While referee Anthony Taylor waved play on, replays ignited fierce debate, with many believing a penalty should have been awarded to Germany. Cucurella himself admitted he "wet his pants" in that moment, fearing he had cost his team a place in the semi-finals. Adding insult to injury, UEFA's Referee Committee later admitted that Germany should have been awarded the penalty.
Adding to Spain's defensive woes, key players Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand were suspended for the semi-final due to yellow card accumulation. This forced coach Luis de la Fuente to reshuffle his defense for a crucial match. Furthermore, an early injury to Pedri in the quarter-final disrupted Spain's initial game plan and raised concerns about his availability for the remainder of the tournament.
Despite these challenges, Spain found ways to overcome their defensive deficiencies. In the group stage, they showcased remarkable defensive solidity, winning all three matches without conceding a single goal. Their ability to press high and quickly recover the ball limited opponents' opportunities and facilitated swift transitions from defense to attack. Excellent 'rest defense' and structural organization behind the ball also contributed to their success in regaining possession.
Moreover, Spain's attacking prowess often compensated for any defensive shortcomings. The team's revitalized attacking approach, marked by the dynamism of young wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, stretched opposing defenses and created more gaps. Their direct style and ability to break lines allowed them to capitalize on key moments. The contributions of players like Dani Olmo and Fabián Ruiz in midfield further enhanced Spain's attacking threat.
Ultimately, Spain's triumph can be attributed to a combination of factors. While their defense may have been a potential weakness, it was often masked by their dominance in possession, tactical flexibility, and the individual brilliance of their attacking players. Moreover, coach Luis de la Fuente's emphasis on team unity and pragmatism proved crucial in navigating challenging situations. The controversial moments and close calls along the way served as a reminder that even the best teams are not invincible, but Spain's ability to overcome adversity ultimately defined their victorious Euro 2024 campaign.
