The slap that woke Spain up

Spain lost to Portugal in the Nations League final.

That night in Paris, Carlos Alcaraz held the nation’s breath. On the legendary Philippe Chatrier court, in the 2025 Roland Garros final, the 22-year-old from El Palmar defeated Jannik Sinner after five and a half hours of top-level competition – a match of a lifetime, a victory that stirred national pride. When the national anthem rang out as Alcaraz entered the decisive super tie-break, Spain was awakened by excitement.

That atmosphere followed the national team to Munich. The echoes of Alcaraz’s victory created a feeling of impulsiveness – a strong belief that, after winning the Euros and the Nations League, Spain were unbeatable. And they went into the game just like that.

Within minutes, Martin Zubimendi appeared as a second striker to open the scoring, after Mikel Oyarzabal’s impromptu assist. The Allianz Arena erupted. But that emotion – too much, too soon – was a double-edged sword.

Spain had defeated France 5-4, but against Portugal, they exposed a serious weakness on the right flank. Oscar Mingueza could not control the speed and explosiveness of Nuno Mendes - the name who soon turned the final into his own stage. The PSG defender's dribbling and left-footed finish stunned the entire "La Roja" defense. The score was deservedly equalized.

Spain did not collapse. They regained the lead after a simple but effective combination - Pedri passed, Oyarzabal finished neatly. But the problem was: "La Roja" no longer controlled the game. The ball was no longer circulating as smoothly as usual, and the initiative gradually fell into the hands of the opponents.

The defeat to Portugal exposed many of Spain's problems.

At 40, Cristiano Ronaldo still knows how to make himself immortal. In a seemingly harmless move, CR7 quietly escaped to the far post, passed Marc Cucurella and gently finished the ball into the net of Unai Simón. A typical goal of a top assassin.

It was the 938th goal of his career, and the 138th for his country. No defender in the world dares to underestimate Ronaldo, even though he is approaching his "forty". The former Real Madrid star will retire when he wants. Only when football is no longer for him - not the other way around.

The match went into extra time. Luis de la Fuente brought on Isco, hoping for a moment of genius. And indeed, the Real Betis star had the most dangerous shot of the extra time - the ball went just wide of the post. But luck was not on La Roja's side. They went into the fateful penalty shootout, and lost.

However, this match also left a warning: Lamine Yamal - who once lit up Europe - was completely blocked. There was no remarkable finish, not a single extraordinary dribble.

Lamine was quietly taken off in extra time. The 17-year-old was expected to make the difference, but instead became a testament to Spain's overreliance on a young genius.

Disappointing? Of course. But remember: the greatest generations of world football have stumbled. Spain still have a young, talented and experienced squad. The defeat in Munich is not the end - it is a temporary stop, for the team to reflect and be ready to move on.

Let this failure be a catalyst. Come to the 2026 World Cup not only with ambition – but with maturity, with a spirit that has been tempered by failure. Because for this group, the dream is still valid.

Source: https://znews.vn/cai-tat-lam-thuc-tinh-tay-ban-nha-post1559401.html