UEFA's contempt for Spain that backfired painfully
Spain arrived at the Euro 2024 with big hopes, but fans and pundits put the team down in the favorites list due to having a semi-unknown coach and a young squad. Nevertheless, 'La Roja' snatched a remarkable victory over England in the final to win the tournament undefeated!
Photo: X - UEFA
Despite everything, UEFA did not see fit to include 'La Roja' in the welcome poster for the tournament. Euro 2024 social media posts initially excluded Spain, removing them as a favorite.
UEFA failed to acknowledge that Spain won the 2008 and 2012 Euros, while remaining one of the teams with the most Euro titles. Spain now passed Germany with 4 titles!
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Of the 24 teams that have competed in the championship, UEFA included eight in its original poster, amounting to a third of the total teams. Germany (Toni Kroos, in the photo), Belgium, Croatia, France, England, Italy, the Netherlands, and Portugal were chosen 'front cover' teams.
From each team, they had their franchise player: Musiala (Germany), De Bruyne (Belgium), Modric (Croatia), Mbappé (France), Bellingham (England), Nicolò Barella (Italy), Van Dijk (Netherlands) and Rafael Leao (Portugal).
Looming in the background, the Spanish national team moved in silence. Knocking out every European giant one by one, in style, and loyal to its football DNA.
Photo: X - UEFA
Aside from Croatia (Luka Modric in the photo), the top 8 (according to UEFA) slowly made their way past the group stages, all fearing on team only... Spain.
Either UEFA underestimated Spain or simply left them out of the top 8 due to other unknown reasons. Nevertheless, De la Fuente and his boys sent Aleksander Čeferin (president of UEFA) a little reminder: "We are here, and here to win".
Photo: X - UEFA
Not only has Spain won the final, they have won every single game this Euro 2024! Furthermore, it has been labeled the only team that has played in a colorful and lively fashion, earning the admiration of fans all across the world.
Given the panorama, we have to hope that UEFA corrects its mistake in Euro 2028 and does include Spain as the current champion. Of course, they have 4 years left to give it some thought... Congratulations, Spain!
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