In the opening moments of their first Euro 2025 group match against Portugal, where they secured an impressive 5-0 victory, it became immediately clear that Spain was operating on a different level compared to other teams in the tournament. Spain's unmatched reliability in possession and superior movement in the final third set them apart. This synergy can be attributed to the team's long-standing football philosophy, further enhanced by the fact that nine of their likely starting XI—and two regular attacking substitutes—either currently play for Barcelona or have done so recently.
Today, Spain is a more formidable side than when they clinched the World Cup two years ago. “They’ve become so much more efficient in the last one and a half years,” remarked Belgium's manager Elisabet Gunnarsdottir after her team succumbed to a 6-2 defeat in the group stages. “They’re exceptional at decision-making around the box.” Gunnarsdottir noted the difficulty of chasing Spanish players across the field, stating, “If you do that, you end up in a bit of a s*show.” The intricacies of Spain's rotation system seem intuitive to the players, showcasing a profound understanding of the game that few others possess in this tournament.
Despite Belgium's heavy defeat, they managed to challenge Spain more than any other team during the tournament. They displayed resilience by equalizing twice and constantly posed an attacking threat. While Belgium conceded six goals, their defensive organization in open play was commendable, with only two goals coming from set pieces. This performance provided a blueprint for teams looking to counter Spain's strengths. Although Spain has improved offensively, their aggressive style on the ball and tendency to take risks now present more opportunities for opponents.
As Spain prepares for the final against England, they must address weaknesses in their back four, particularly in the space behind Irene Paredes. Regarded as one of the best penalty-box defenders in the tournament, Paredes's age is becoming a liability, especially when she faces faster attackers. Belgium exploited this by targeting the left-hand channel for striker Hannah Eurlings, who used her speed to create opportunities. Paredes, despite her strength, struggled to keep pace, which led to critical moments for Belgium.
In their 1-0 semi-final defeat to Spain, Germany also sought to exploit this defensive vulnerability. They capitalized on moments when Spain's players were out of position. For instance, when left-winger Klara Buhl sprinted forward, the opportunity arose for a quick counter-attack. However, a lack of precision from Germany's Giovanna Hoffmann prevented them from scoring, highlighting the fine margins that can define a game against a team like Spain.
One effective strategy for teams aiming to beat Spain is to capitalize on their counter-press. Gunnarsdottir emphasized the need for goals to secure a victory against Spain, stating, “They always give away balls; they always do.” By breaking through Spain's initial pressure, opponents can find themselves in advantageous one-on-one or two-on-two situations. This was evident when Germany attempted to exploit Spain's counter-press, creating a potentially game-changing opportunity that ultimately slipped away.
As the final approaches, set pieces could play a pivotal role. Spain's relatively shorter stature makes them vulnerable during corners, as evidenced by a goal conceded against Belgium. Their defensive strategy often involves keeping Paredes free to dominate aerial duels. However, teams like Germany have begun to counter this tactic effectively. England, while not as imposing in the air as they might wish, can find success through well-executed set-piece strategies, particularly targeting the areas where Spain is less secure.
In summary, while Spain enters the final as the clear favorites, their style of play inherently provides opportunities for opponents to capitalize on. England may not possess the same technical prowess or cohesion as Spain, yet they must make the most of the limited opportunities they will have in the match. The Euro 2025 final represents the pinnacle of European football, where strategy, execution, and moments of brilliance will determine the champion.
