The Spanish federation has become a global laughing stock but the national team is approaching Euro 2024 feeling they are turning a page after a decade of disappointment.
Between 2008 and 2012 La Roja dominated world soccer, winning the European Championship in those years with the 2010 World Cup sandwiched between.
Spain’s quality faded since, with the team going 11 years before winning another trophy, a drought ended by Nations League glory last year.
A few months, later president Luis Rubiales resigned in disgrace after his forcible kiss at the Women’s World Cup, and the federation is being investigated in an alleged corruption scandal.
The co-hosts of the 2030 World Cup are starting to sweat over whether the rights could be stripped from them.
Just as the women’s team triumphed in Australia despite the controversy surrounding them — players went on strike in the lead-up to the tournament — the men’s team is aiming to block out the noise in Germany.
Their technical quality is undoubted. Luis Enrique’s Spain passed endlessly at the 2022 World Cup, as was the coach’s wont, but they fell short against Morocco in the last 16.
Spain lacked star players, skill and pace in attack, someone with the X-factor to break down well-organised defenses with a stroke of genius.
Coach Luis de la Fuente’s Spain has found one now in Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, even though he is only 16.
The teenager has burst into the limelight this season and become a key player for his club.
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