Coach Luis de la Fuente celebrated Spain’s history-makers and warned there is still more to come after they became the first team to win the European Championships four times by beating England 2-1 in Sunday’s final at the Olympiastadion.
BERLIN — Coach Luis de la Fuente celebrated Spain’s history-makers and warned there is still more to come after they became the first team to win the European Championships four times by beating England 2-1 in Sunday’s final at the Olympiastadion.
Mikel Oyarzabal struck an 86th-minute winner after Cole Palmer had cancelled out Nico Williams‘ opener as Spain made it seven wins from seven at Euro 2024 without needing penalties, scoring 15 goals in the process, which set a new tournament record.
On route to the trophy, they had to beat holders Italy, hosts Germany and pre-tournament favourites France and England, but De la Fuente said he always believed in Spain’s chances even if they were considered outsiders one month ago.
„It’s not that I thought we were favourites, but I felt we were in a position to win the tournament and we have done“, the Spain boss said in a news conference.
„It’s hard to improve on what we have done here, but this group can keep growing because they do not tire of hard work, competing and trying to win.
„I am proud of them and happy about the excitement we have generated back home. These players have made history and they still have a long way to go.“
Spain edge clear of Germany, who have won three European Championships, and have now won the tournament three times since 2008.
Midfielder Rodri — who was forced off at half-time with an injury against England — remembered the generation which won the competition back-to-back in 2008 and 2012 as well as a World Cup in 2010.
