BERLIN – Spain Head coach Luis de la Fuente believes Sunday’s Euro 2024 clash with England could be one of the most exciting finals in the tournament’s 64-year history.
De la Fuente insisted the clash of styles – with Spain’s explosive goalscoring game while England started slowly and went behind three times – should make for an intriguing contest at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium.
“We’re excited to be playing against a very important opponent with great players,” said de la Fuente. “I think that makes you think it could be a great spectacle. I think we’re both in very good form. The signs are definitely that it could be a great spectacle for the fans to enjoy.”
Spain’s road to the final has been a difficult one, with an easy win in the Group of Death against Italy And Croatia then pass the host country Germany and the World Cup final France to reach this stage.
On paper, the British path seems easier, but despite boasting things like Jude Bellingham And Harry KaneGareth Southgate’s side have been on a perilous path.
Three Lions needed a late equaliser from Bellingham to survive Slovakiaa penalty shootout to overcome Switzerland and the last minute winner from Ollie Watkins in the semi-finals with Netherlands.
Spain GO TO FINAL after UNBELIEVABLE match with France
However, De la Fuente knows that Southgate’s side are not to be taken lightly. As a football history enthusiast, de la Fuente knows that finals are often tense and fiercely contested, given the importance of the game and the nature of the respective tactical approaches.
However, he felt that England and Spain could bring out the best in each other.
“We have quite different styles, but England are a physical team, with players who like space and run a bit in open spaces,” he added. “We will try to impose our style, to have more possession. Although, as I always say, we can also play on the counter.
“But in the final, other factors also play an important role, like not making mistakes, the feeling of knowing that there is not much room for error, not wanting to lose, wanting to win.”
Three years ago, the clash between England and Italy was a tactical affair in which Southgate’s side took an early lead and held on, but eventually lost on penalties.
2016, Portugal had to reshuffle their game plan when facing France. Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off the field with an injury, and eventually won with an extra-time strike from the substitute Eder.
Spain beat Italy in 2012 and won a methodical encounter with Germany in 2008. Greek The defensive style won out in 2004, meaning the tournament was due for a dramatic finish.
“England can do a lot of damage, even if they don’t play very gracefully,” said the Spanish defender. Dani Vivian told reporters. “But they have qualities that enable them to create those sparks.”
England GO TO THE FINAL after a great match against the Netherlands
On the subject of sparks, all eyes will be on the young superstar Lamine Yamalincluding Southgate and his team in the build-up to the clash. Yamal, just 16, scored a stunning equaliser against France and has been one of the best performers in the tournament, despite his age.
“A special talent, that’s clear,” said Southgate. “We have some good young players but Spain (have) Foot, GaviYamal, and the centre-back he didn’t bring, (17-year-old Pau) Cubarsi.
“We are not the only country with good young players. Sometimes we think we do, but we are not.
“We’re going to play a very, very tough game at the weekend and there’s no doubt about that. But it’s a final so you expect it to be a very tough game. We’re proud to be there and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Martin Rogers is a writer for FOX Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MrogersFOX And Sign up for daily newsletter.
Get more information from UEFA Euro Follow your favorites to get game info, news and more
