'A Good Thing For Football' - Spain's Victory Caps Off Perfect Campaign

Football often divides opinion - but everyone was united to hail Spain's Euro 2024 success as fully deserved.

La Roja won all seven games without needing penalties, a record at a European Championship. A 2-1 win over England in the final made them European champions for an unprecedented fourth time.

And they did it the hard way, beating every other European nation who have ever won a World Cup - Italy, Germany, France and England, plus beaten 2018 finalists Croatia - on the way to glory in Berlin.

In Rodri they had the player of the tournament. In teenage sensation Lamine Yamal they had the young player of the tournament. Dani Olmo shared the Golden Boot. Yamal had the most assists.

It is easy to forget they did not come into the tournament as one of the absolute favourites, with England and France the two tipped for glory.

Even England boss Gareth Southgate admitted Spain were deserved champions.

"Congratulations to Spain. They deserved a win not only tonight, but across the whole tournament," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

A Win For Football?

It was not the same style of Spain team which dominated football more than a decade ago - winning Euros 2008 and 2012, and the 2010 World Cup.

That team was based on passing teams off the park - with geniuses Xavi and Andres Iniesta in midfield - but wingers are crucial to this team.

Nico Williams scored the opener and substitute Mikel Oyarzabal netted the late winner - with Yamal setting up Williams' goal.

Williams and Yamal, good friends, had their birthdays on Friday and Saturday - turning 22 and 17 respectively.

Barcelona's Yamal is the youngest player to ever play at, score at, assist at and win a European Championship.

Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton, who won one cap for England, said on BBC Radio 5 Live: "It is a good thing for football that Spain won the tournament with the brand they have played."

BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, who used to play for Barcelona, said: "It is a hard defeat for England to take but in some ways, it is a victory for attacking football."

Former Spain midfielder Juan Mata, on BBC One, added: "We played great football, always tried to win the games and I think we deserve to win this tournament,

"We have young players and older players. It is not only a team for the present, but also a team for the future.

"They are playing such a high level now.

"We are so proud of them and really believe they can keep growing and believing and keep winning trophies."

Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague said: "Spain surprised me again.

"They said 'we are going at it without fear by being brave and courageous' - that is what has won them the tournament."

- Author: Emlyn Begley, BBC