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The Selección Española, more popularly known as Spain’s national football team, “La Roja” (The Red One) or “La Furia Española” (The Spanish Fury), boasts a rich and complex history, evolving from a team known for its spirited play but lack of silverware to a global powerhouse that dominated the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Early years were characterized by flashes of brilliance interspersed with frustrating underachievement. While Spain participated in the early World Cups, their first major triumph came in 1964, when they hosted and won the European Championship, defeating the Soviet Union in the final. This victory, however, proved to be a false dawn, as the team struggled to replicate that success in subsequent tournaments.

For decades, Spain became synonymous with unfulfilled potential. Talented players graced the squad, but a combination of tactical shortcomings, mental fragility, and sometimes plain bad luck, prevented them from reaching the summit of international football. The term “Spanish Curse” became a common phrase, referring to their tendency to falter on the biggest stage.

The tide began to turn in the late 2000s. A new generation of exceptionally gifted players, many honed in the renowned Barcelona youth system La Masia, emerged. Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Iker Casillas, and Fernando Torres formed the spine of a team that would redefine Spanish football. Luis Aragonés, the coach at the time, implemented a possession-based style of play known as “tiki-taka,” emphasizing short passes, intricate movement, and dominating the ball. This philosophy, initially met with skepticism, proved revolutionary.

Euro 2008 marked the end of the “Spanish Curse.” La Roja, playing with newfound confidence and tactical discipline, swept through the tournament, culminating in a 1-0 victory over Germany in the final. This victory sparked a period of unprecedented success. Two years later, at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Spain, still under the guidance of Vicente del Bosque, conquered the world, defeating the Netherlands in a tense final. Iniesta’s extra-time goal etched his name into Spanish footballing folklore.

Spain completed their historic treble by winning Euro 2012, defeating Italy in a dominant performance. This victory cemented their status as one of the greatest national teams of all time, a side that had redefined modern football with their innovative style and unwavering commitment to possession.

Following this golden era, Spain has experienced a period of transition. While still capable of producing moments of magic, they have struggled to recapture the consistency and dominance of their peak years. New generations of players have emerged, but replicating the synergy and impact of the Xavi-Iniesta era has proven challenging. Despite these recent struggles, the legacy of “La Roja” remains, inspiring a nation and serving as a benchmark for aspiring football teams around the world.