“Spain were very impressive from their first game. Their style of play, their commitment, their football… They deserved the title,” Benzema was quoted as saying by Marca. As a reminder, the Spanish national team emerged victorious from the Euro 2024 championship. In the final match of the tournament, they beat the England national team by a score of 2-1. Benzema, the prolific French striker, has been following the European Championship closely and has been impressed by Spain’s performances throughout the tournament. “From the beginning, you could see that Spain had something special. The way they moved the ball, the intensity with which they played and the cohesion of the team – it was a joy to watch,” he remarked.
Spain's path to the final has not been easy, having to navigate a difficult group stage and overcome tough opponents in the round of 16. However, their ability to control possession, create chances and get results when needed has proven to be the key to their success. "When you look at the Spanish team, you see a group of players who are completely in tune with each other. They understand their role, they trust each other and they play attractive, attacking football," Benzema observed. "That's what makes them so hard to beat. They don't just rely on individual brilliance, they operate like a well-oiled machine."
One of Spain's standout players at the tournament was their captain, Sergio Busquets. The veteran midfielder, who has been a mainstay of the national team for over a decade, was praised for his ability to control the pace of the game and protect the back four. "Busquets is the engine that drives the Spanish team forward. He's the one who sets the pace, recycles possession and breaks up the opposition's attacks," Benzema said. "At his age, he's still mastering his craft, and his experience and leadership have been invaluable to this young Spanish team." Another player who caught Benzema's eye was Spanish striker Ansu Fati. The 22-year-old winger had a remarkable tournament, scoring crucial goals in several of Spain's matches.
“Ansu Fati is a special talent. He has so much skill, pace and creativity, and he’s not afraid to take on defenders and make things happen in the final third,” Benzema noted. “He’s a real game-changer, and I’m sure he’ll be a key player for Spain for many years to come.” Benzema also highlighted the contributions of Spain’s defensive unit, led by the experienced duo of Aymeric Laporte and Pau Torres. “They were solid in defence, making crucial tackles and interceptions to protect their goalkeeper. Their organisation and communication were excellent, and it was largely down to them that Spain conceded so few goals throughout the tournament.”
The 2024 European Championship was a tournament that captured the imagination of football fans across the continent, with host nation Germany providing a vibrant backdrop to the action. The event kicked off on 14 June and concluded a month later on 14 July, with some of the world’s best international teams battling it out for the prestigious trophy. One of the biggest highlights of the competition was the continued dominance of the Spanish national team. La Roja, as they are known, claimed their fourth European Championship title, cementing their status as the most successful team in the tournament’s history. This latest triumph is testament to the quality and consistency of the Spanish football philosophy, which has been honed and refined over decades of success at the highest level.
Throughout the tournament, Spain displayed the hallmarks of a truly elite international team. Their ability to control possession, create chances with precision and defend as a cohesive unit was a constant source of frustration for their opponents. The team’s confidence in technical mastery, tactical sophistication and an unwavering commitment to their style of play was a joy to behold for neutral observers. The Spanish victory was particularly pleasing for fans, who have endured a period of relative underachievement in recent years. The national team’s last European Championship triumph came in 2012, and there were fears that the golden generation that had dominated world football for a decade was beginning to fade. However, the emergence of a new wave of talented players, combined with the continued excellence of established stars, has ensured that Spain remain a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
One of the key factors in Spain’s success has been the steady hand of their coach, Luis Enrique. The former Barcelona boss has been in charge of the national team since 2020, and his unwavering adherence to Spain’s traditional playing philosophy has helped shape the team’s identity. Enrique has not been afraid to make tough decisions, such as excluding veteran players who no longer fit the team’s tactical plan, and this unwavering commitment to his vision has paid off.
Spain’s triumph was not without its bittersweet moments, however. The tournament final pitted them against England, a team who had also enjoyed a remarkable run to the showpiece event. For England, it was a chance to end their long wait for a major international trophy, having last won the European Championship in 1966. The Three Lions had reached the final in 2020, only to be denied by Italy, and the prospect of redemption was a powerful motivator.
