Luis de la Fuente, Spain’s head coach, has given major hints about his team plans for Euro 2024. Spain will start their tournament with a Group B opener against Croatia, followed by matches against Italy, the defending champions, and Albania. These games are crucial as Spain looks to advance from a competitive group.
Spain-Croatia Rivalry
Spain is preparing for a tough game against Croatia, adding another chapter to their recent rivalry. Croatia beat Spain 2-1 in the group stages of Euro 2016, but Spain knocked them out in the last 16 of Euro 2020. The upcoming match in Berlin is expected to be a hard-fought battle, with Spain ready for a challenge from Zlatko Dalic’s team. Previous matches between the two nations have created a tight rivalry, setting the stage for another exciting encounter.
Attack Plans and Young Talent
De la Fuente is still deciding who will start in the central attacking role, but he has given insights into his choices for the wide positions in his front three. “Lamine Yamal is very young. He has a talent that only a chosen few have. But, when his performance level drops, the criticism is fierce. So we try to educate him, he’s a special footballer,” he said, according to Diario AS. Addressing speculation, he added, “You all assume Nico Williams and Lamine will play. If they don’t play, there may be a surprise for you.”
As Spain prepares for Euro 2024, fans and analysts are closely watching De la Fuente’s decisions, especially in the attack. While the debate over the central attacking role continues, the coach’s comments suggest that players like Yamal and Williams are likely to feature prominently. The coach’s strategy of choosing players based on form and freshness will be key as Spain aims to navigate their challenging group successfully.