The Furious streak whose end is not even in sight

Rare are those who can stay immune to other people's comments. Sometimes, those remarks turn into a motivation, and sometimes, they become a burden. However, in the end, they always cause some sort of reaction. We cannot tell whether the comments before the EURO 2024 inspired Spain or if the players were already prepared for the trophy quest, but we can remember one thing - those comments were not promising.

Numerous questions were raised. Is Luis de la Fuente good enough to lead a renowned national team like Spain? And who is that man in the first place? Is the squad he chose too young with Pedri, Nico Williams, and Lamine Yamal or, on the other hand, too old with Nacho Fernandez, Dani Carvajal, Joselu, and Jesus Navas? And how on Earth will the players cooperate having in mind that big of an age gap? Finally, how can Spain lift a trophy when most players come from Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad, while Barcelona and Real Madrid have only five internationals combined?

Don't underestimate the character of a child - this one learned his calling in the warmest of cribs

Truth be said, sometimes all those question marks can unhinge. On top of that, when the draw puts you in a group of death with the team, which has six major trophies combined (Italy) and a two-time vice-champion of the world (Croatia), the unwanted doubt creeps into your bones. However, when you beat them all and advance to the knockout phase from the top spot, you prove many things to those who posed the questions as well as to yourself (unless you've already known what you are capable of). Emerging victorious from the "group of death", Spain transformed into the unstoppable machinery ready to crush anyone who gets in its way towards the European crown.

With Albania in the group stage and Georgia in the round of 16 as the only "easier" opponents, Spain managed to beat all those teams which were pronounced favourites before the tournament. The three-time European, four-time World champion and the host - Germany - was beaten after extra time, while the biggest favourite and a national team with four major trophies (two at each competition) - France - didn't stand a chance in the semis.

Either England or the Netherlands will be the next tricky and tough task. But after a team goes through the stuff Spain's been through - we can do nothing but wonder: who can stop them? In the end, the Spaniards might lose in the grand final and not win the EURO, but the football world will remember this too-old, too-young, starless team with the unknown manager, which showed that sometimes your belief in what you do could prevail over the doubts and question marks.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP - 1/2 FINALS

Semifinals

Tuesday

Spain - France 2-1 (2-1)

/Yamal 21, Olmo 25 - Kolo Muani 9/

Wednesday

22.00: (3.15) Netherlands (3.10) England (2.60)

***odds are subject to change***