MUNICH: Spain’s jubilant celebrations in reaching the Euro 2024 final were understandable after taking the hardest road to get there and handling the hairpin bends with panache. Luis de la Fuente’s side having emerged from what was dubbed the “Group of death”, beat tournament sensations Georgia, hosts Germany and pre-Euros favourites France to make it to Berlin.

La Roja are aiming for a record fourth European title on Sunday at the Olympiastadion and successfully navigating their dangerous run gives them the belief they will triumph, regardless of whether they face England or the Netherlands. “I feel proud of these players and of the path we’ve gone on to reach the final,” De la Fuente told reporters Tuesday after the team edged France 2-1 in an entertaining semi-final clash. “There’s no achievement without effort and suffering in life is normal, because everything is tough. These are young players but they suffer to work and force themselves to improve more and more each day - I am happy to be here coaching them.” Spain progressed from the group without conceding a goal, defeating Croatia 3-0, defending champions Italy 1-0 and rounded it off with virtually a reserve side edging Albania 1-0. In the knock-out rounds De la Fuente’s team have not flinched and overcome every hurdle. Debutants Georgia, backed by fervent travelling support, took the lead but Spain hit back to record a convincing 4-1 victory which the coach said “could have been 9-1”. Overcoming hosts Germany in extra-time, after conceding an 89th minute equaliser, proved Spain possessed grit to go with their style. They came from behind to beat France with two goals in a five-minute salvo which left their coach salivating. After France started well and took the lead through Randal Kolo Muani, the 16-year-old Lamine Yamal produced a bolt from the blue to stun Les Bleus, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the tournament’s history. Yamal’s brilliant long-range curler after 21 minutes rocked Didier Deschamps’ side and Dani Olmo fired home the decisive second four minutes later. “We can play great football, as you saw today and through the tournament,” said De la Fuente. “We are a very versatile team, the players we have make that possible.”

Exciting wingers Yamal and Nico Williams hypnotised their opponents and while they have drawn the most plaudits, helping Spain shine and stand out as an exciting side playing flowing football compared to a lot of risk-averse, duller big teams, across the line-up they have enjoyed strong performances.