Spain has taken the hardest possible road to Berlin, conquered Italy, Croatia, Germany and now France - their longest winning streak since 2010, a first final since 2012. Most importantly, the way they achieved such feats will be worth remembering. Their football is based on high-octane attacking and pressing intent. Even if they are challenged by resistance, they can crush the defensive walls and score goals.
It was also the night when 16-year-old Lamine Yamal became the youngest goal scorer in the history of the Euro by striking a 25-yard thunderbolt to equalize in a manner as if a goal-down in a crunch match hardly mattered. Dani Olmo added the winner on 25 minutes, yet for all their exuberance going forward, there was resolve and character here too.
France found the net from an open play for the first time in this tournament and was set to create an environment where their dominance would be on full display. But Spain was unfazed by the French goal and decided to attack, counterattack and attack again. The response was fast and immediately reduced France to nothing.
France remained a disappointment throughout this tournament and in every match it was pointed out that this team heavily depends on the form of Kylian Mbappe – if this genius does not function, France loses their conviction. For many of their flimsy disappointments, this should or will be a swansong: N’Golo Kanté, the retiring Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Adrien Rabiot, perhaps even Deschamps himself.
But, at the moment, yet another Spanish revolution is knocking at the doors. This unit has all the ingredients to essay an era until and unless they don’t lose their self-belief.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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