Football Spirit: The return of Spain's empire and Ronaldo's last dance with Portugal
Spain
After the golden generation of David Villa and Xavi moved on, Spain endured 12 painful years of silence and footballing struggle, suffering one setback after another in major tournaments.
“Tiki-taka is dead,” critics proclaimed following humiliating exits against Russia and Morocco. Yet everything shifted with the arrival of the modest tactician Luis de la Fuente.
“He transformed the team’s atmosphere and succeeded in uniting players and rivals from various Spanish clubs into a single unit. And that is the most crucial aspect,” reflects former outstanding Spanish defender Ivan Helguera on the change.
De la Fuente revived the team’s lost self-belief and implemented a style rooted in more direct verticality. The Spanish still dominate midfield masterfully, but now capitalise on the explosive pace of young wingers, led by the elusive Lamine Yamal.
This tactical evolution has proven highly effective, as demonstrated at EURO 2024, where Spain triumphed without a single loss, securing seven consecutive victories, and still possesses a very youthful core.
“But be cautious, these are players who have already been battle-hardened and can definitely cope with the pressure of the moment,” notes Flashscore News Spanish expert César Suaréz.
The Spanish national team no longer wins matches despite its youth, but because of it, making them a severe threat to any opponent. “They are one of the biggest favourites by a considerable margin,” Helguera agrees.
Portugal
Meanwhile, in the Portuguese camp, everything centres on the man preparing for his sixth World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo. At 41, he faces a wave of doubts that he can no longer be the team's focal point, as his time in Saudi Arabia may not have prepared him adequately for the top tournament.
However, throughout his career, Ronaldo has consistently silenced the doubters.
“He remains the most important player, the captain, with immense responsibility. Remember, elite defenders prepare for him as if he were 20 years old,” smiles Maniche, former outstanding Portuguese midfielder, in the first episode. The famous number seven is not going to the championship to say goodbye, but to win.
Portugal also arguably possesses the best generation of players in its history. Stars such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Vitinha and Ruben Dias make the team far less reliant on Ronaldo alone, which renders them even more dangerous.
The entire squad will also be driven by strong emotions, as they will play in memory of their tragically deceased teammate Diogo Jota, which experts believe will give the team tremendous inner strength in crucial moments.
“In the key moments of the tournament, this can truly make a difference - they will be playing for Diogo,” agrees Flashscore News Portuguese expert Andre Guerra. “If egos are set aside and a collective is formed, we have a chance to go very, very far,” concludes Maniche.
Do not miss the full first episode on our YouTube channel, where you will find deeper tactical analysis and powerful stories from both teams that will shape the course of the entire tournament. And tomorrow, you will also find an episode dedicated to the stories of England and Germany on the channel.