It’s been an opening few games of mighty intrigue, big hitters England and France have looked like something washed up from the River Thames or Seine after an afternoon on the beers followed by a German Kebab.
The aftermath a lethargic, dragging of feet and a head full of silent regret.
Sound familiar?
But if woeful performances are shadows of former competitions then Spain and Germany are more than brushing away the cobwebs and basking in the sunshine.
More so Espana…they’ve looked good…very good against awkward, decent and pedigreed opposition. You couldn’t start off a campaign more challenging than Croatia and Italy in your first 2 fixtures. With an eye opening 3-0 victory against everyone’s tournament dark horses Croatia a few players emerged with a new glimmer to their game.
Alvaro Marata has looked hungry to succeed
Alvaro Marata looked happy, interested and heavily involved in most of Spains attacks. A player who has sparkled since leaving those forgettable days at Stanford Bridge is a dangerous striker when in this groove.
They also house possibly the two most exciting wingers at the competition in Lamine Yamal & Nico Williams, both abounding with energy, creativity and flair on either wing of the aforementioned Marata. Buenos Augurios.
We then look along the flanks a bit further back and we come across a slightly forgotten and ridiculed character in Marc Cucurella. A big money move to Chelsea saw Curcurella move from Brighton for 60 Million pounds. However, his days at Stamford Bridge have resembled that of his fellow compatriot Marata, ill-consistency and appearances that just don’t amount to the price-tag paid.
Cucurella has surprised most with his performances
Nevertheless the player we knew at Brighton and the player Spain have gambled on for the euros is lighting up this already flared and eager team. For Cucurella to be making lung-busting runs along the left flank, creating space for Nico Williams and offering his attack minded wing back abilities, its more than Buenos Augurios.
Maybe the nurturing nature of Luis de la Fuente’s tactics is where Spain are finding this freedom to express their football. Fuentes having worked through the youth system in Spain will know many of their young starlets very well.
A nurturing approach in football these days appears to be a winning formula with the likes of Pep, Klopp and Ancelotti willing to wrap an arm around their players, be involved in the social scene and of course make them feel wanted.
We say you need that little bit more to win these competitions, an edge, ability and perhaps a small sprinkle of divine intervention.
Buenos Augúrios.
Luis de la Fuente
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