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Opinion
Alfredo RelañoNo Euro 2020 final, but the future looks bright for 'La Roja'

No Euro 2020 final, but the future looks bright for 'La Roja'

Update:

This time luck was not on our side in a penalty shoot-out after Italy captain Chiellini won the toss twice against Jordi Alba in deciding which goal and in which order the spot kicks would be taken.Things started well with Unai saving Locatelli's effort, diving to his right as he did twice against Switzerland. After Olmo's miss, both teams then converted until Donnarumma saved Morata's kick and Jorginho slotted home for Mancini's men. Italy will now face the winner of the other semi-final as England face Denmark. Despite the pain of elimination, it's not all doom and gloom for the Spain side as they were the better team against the strongly fancied Azzurri who were outclassed for the first time in Euro 2020.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 06: Unai Simon of Spain reacts during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Semi-final match between Italy and Spain at Wembley Stadium on July 06, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 06: Unai Simon of Spain reacts during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Semi-final match between Italy and Spain at Wembley Stadium on July 06, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)Laurence GriffithsGetty Images

Bright future

Looking to the future, we have a great team and head coach in Luis Enrique. We've seem how this side is more than just a sum of its parts and apart from Sergio Busquets, there are no big name players in the squad. Every player is comfortable with the ball and each man does his bit in helping out in every area of the pitch. I still feel our Achilles heel is in both areas. The Spanish team are excellent in the center of the park but nerves start to jangle on the times when our goal is under threat. Both central defenders are being picked upon their merit as ball players as opposed to being 'no nonsense stoppers' and Unai Simón still offers a juvenile insecurity at times.

Soccer Football - Euro 2020 - Semi Final - Italy v Spain - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - July 6, 2021 Spain coach Luis Enrique Pool via REUTERS/Carl Recine
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Soccer Football - Euro 2020 - Semi Final - Italy v Spain - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - July 6, 2021 Spain coach Luis Enrique Pool via REUTERS/Carl RecineCARL RECINEPool via REUTERS

Cruel exit

Having said that, the Spanish team should have beaten an Italy side that was outclassed on the night. Spain dominated the first half and just lost their way at the start of the second half when Chiesa fired the Italians ahead. La Roja regrouped and kept pushing and were rewarded with a well taken equaliser from Morata. They continued to probe in the first half of extra time with the second half a non event with both teams exhausted. It ultimately wasn't to be with the team being eliminated from the penalty spot but with our prestige very much intact. This team is young with many playing at their first major tournament. With Luis Enrique's guidance, I genuinely feel there future is bright for 'La Roja'.