Seventeen matches trace the history of the Spanish national team throughout this 2024, which, in terms of international soccer, lowers the curtain until next March. The first, a defeat in a friendly against Colombia, gave little hint of what would come next: an unforgettable year that is already enshrined in the annals, sealed with one of the most brilliant Euro Cups in recent memory. The last match, played this Monday in the warmth of the Tenerife crowd, which had gone almost 30 years without being able to celebrate their country, ended with a nail-biting victory against the always competitive Switzerland, the best way to conclude a magical year.
Because De la Fuente's team never runs out of challenges. In March, in their next match, they will face the quarterfinals of this Nations League, where they defend their title and the final phase will be played in June.
Of the thirteen official commitments that Spain has had to face this year, they have won twelve and only managed a draw, against Serbia in Belgrade, where they more than deserved to win. La Roja's cruising speed in 2024 has swept aside teams like Croatia, Italy, Germany, France, and England. A true masterclass that concluded against the Swiss, in a match where neither team had anything at stake, but the Spaniards persisted until the end and were rewarded.
Casadó shone brightly on a festive night in Tenerife, where Spain toasted one last joy
De la Fuente's selection has just cleared up any doubts with a Eurocup in Germany of those immaculate, playing better than anyone else, picking up the last doubters on his ship. Spain has once again hooked its fans, enchanting the whole world. The best proof of all is that this is not a matter of names; it's about believing in something and executing it. Because since July, the coach has been losing those who seemed like irreplaceable pieces along the way. Emblematic players like Rodri, Unai Simón, or Lamine Yamal, and he has continued to shine.
De La Fuente seems to always get it right, as he handed Marc Casadó his first absolute starting position against Switzerland, for example, given the absence of Zubimendi, who is usually Rodri's replacement. And the Barcelona player embraced the opportunity as if it were his own child, with a spectacular physical display, his ability to recover the ball, and his skill in moving it around. Paredes and, unofficially, Mingueza also made their debut in the starting eleven, followed by Samu Omorodion and Barrios. There are already 22 players who have made their debut under De La Fuente, as if his titles weren't enough.
Spain dazzled Switzerland from the engine room, with Casado as Pedri's great sidekick, who playing at home wanted to show off and gave one of his master classes that he couldn't finish with a goal because Mvogo was spot on in his shot from the penalty spot. It had been a siege and downfall for half an hour in the duel until Mingueza connected from 50 meters with Morata, who with an impressive chip got rid of his marker and ended up on the ground. Pedri missed the penalty, Nico Williams' rebound was cleared by Freuler off the line, and finally, Yeremy Pino –another one playing 'at home'– managed to score the first goal. Remiro, the only player who was in Germany and did not play any minutes, and who was rewarded with the starting position by De la Fuente, could have just stayed on the beach at Las Teresitas given the Swiss ineffectiveness.
After winning the 2023 Nations League, Spain further enamored everyone in the last Eurocup and got everyone on board with them
The start of the second half was not too promising for the Spanish interests. Paredes' untimely slip was not capitalized on by Monteiro to equalize. But the protagonists did not take long to repeat the scene, and this time the Young Boys striker didn't miss. With Nico Williams no longer on the field, the Athletic player too anxious, La Roja had to navigate the bends with Bryan Gil as the main argument. And De la Fuente couldn't end the year without winning one last bet. Five minutes after the equalizer, the Girona winger stole the ball from the Swiss defense and his shot across goal was unstoppable for Mvogo. It wasn't the only goal-scoring debut for a Bryan wearing red. The 2-1 only fueled the celebration at the Heliodoro, which kept on singing even when Zeqiri, from the penalty spot, leveled the score. The fans seemed to know that this 2024 couldn't end without one last song. And the microphone ended up in the hands of Bryan Zaragoza who, also from the penalty spot, in the 93rd minute, brought the curtain down on a year to remember.
Technical specifications
3- Spain: Remiro (R. Sánchez 46), Mingueza, Cubarsí, Paredes, Grimaldo, Casadó, Fabián, Pedri (Pablo Barrios 79), Yeremy Pino (Bryan Zaragoza 69), Morata (Samu Omorodion 46), and Nico Williams (Bryan Gil 60)
Coach: Luis de la Fuente
2- Switzerland: Mvogo, Fernandes, Comert, Muheim, Ricardo Rodríguez, Freuler, Xhaka (Sierro 60), Ugrinic (Monteiro 46), Sohm (Rieder 60), Kutesa (Okafor 72), and Amdouni (Zeqiri 46)
Coach: Murat Yakin
Stadium: Heliodoro Rodríguez López (Tenerife) (21,204 spectators)
Referee: Bastian Dankert (Germany)
Yellows: Yeremy Pino, Cömert, and Bryan Zaragoza
Goals: 1-0 Yeremy Pino (32), 1-1 Monteiro (63), 2-1 Bryan Gil (68), 2-2 Zeqiri (p) (85), 3-2 Bryan Zaragoza (p) (93)
