Spain’s scintillating form in Euro 2024, marked by four consecutive wins, sets the stage for a highly anticipated quarter-final clash with hosts Germany on Friday, dubbed by many as the “final before the final.”
Under the guidance of manager Luis de la Fuente, Spain has shifted from their iconic possession-based “tiki-taka” style to a dynamic, attacking approach. This evolution, while surprising to some fans, has been a long time coming for players like midfielder Mikel Merino and his teammates.
“We’ve known each other for a long time. It’s probably the tightest group I’ve been in, and I think this is our main strength – the brotherhood and team spirit,” Merino told Reuters on Wednesday. “We are all focused on the main goal, which is to win the Euros. Nobody here is selfish. We all want the team to succeed, and that’s what makes us truly a great team.”
Merino’s description of the team’s camaraderie is no exaggeration. More than half of Spain’s squad in Germany have previously played under De la Fuente in the national academy system. Their impressive performances at the tournament are the culmination of a decade-long project by De la Fuente, who coached Spain’s youth teams before taking charge of the national team.
“It is a huge advantage for us,” Merino said. “I’ve been here with Luis Enrique, but this is different. De la Fuente knows all of us, and we know him. We understand his style of football and the character he requires. This familiarity gives us a unique edge and allows us to connect in a way most national teams cannot. It’s a chemistry that I have only seen in club football.”
Spain’s current style is characterized by relentless high pressure, rapid one-touch moves, and precise passing, showcasing a squad with an almost instinctive understanding of each other’s positioning. This seamless coordination will be crucial as they face Germany.
Merino has a history of facing Germany, having played against them in two consecutive Under-21 Euro finals under De la Fuente, losing in 2017 but winning 2-1 in 2019 against a team featuring Jonathan Tah, Benjamin Henrichs, and Waldemar Anton, all of whom he will face again on Friday in Stuttgart. Key players like Mikel Oyarzabal, Dani Olmo, and Fabian Ruiz, the 2019 MVP, are also present in Spain’s Euro 2024 squad.
Merino’s first international success with De la Fuente came in 2015, winning the Under-19 Euro title alongside Rodri and goalkeeper Unai Simon. From veterans to younger talents like Pedri, Martin Zubimendi, and Marc Cucurella, who won the Olympic silver medal in Tokyo 2022 under De la Fuente, the squad is united and cohesive.
“I have a lot of great memories playing against Germany. Facing them always makes your blood pump stronger,” Merino said. “We know we’re facing possibly our toughest challenge yet. They are a well-organized team with the support of a packed arena. It’s going to be tough, but our mentality is our biggest strength. We are strong together, we believe in each other, and this is what we want: playing against the best and beating the best.”
