Euro 2024 represented the 12th time that Spain have competed at the European Championship since the tournament was first held in France back in 1960. Managed by Luis de la Fuente , La Roja were not considered among the outright favourites to go all the way in Germany, but they went on to win all seven matches to become continental kings, and deservedly so! Is that Spain's only triumph at the European Championship? Here, Sports Mole take a look at La Roja's record in the tournament and how far they have gone over the years. After failing to qualify for the first edition of the Euros in 1960, Spain became champions of what was then called the European Nations' Cup in 1964 - the tournament changed to its current name (European Championship) four years later.
In a tournament held on home soil consisting of only four teams, Spain beat Hungary 2-1 after extra time in the semi-finals before beating the Soviet Union in the final by the same scoreline in normal time, courtesy of goals from Chus Pereda and Marcelino . Spain failed to qualify for the next three European Championships before making it to Euro 1980. La Roja were one of eight nations split into two groups of four, and after drawing 0-0 with hosts Italy on matchday one, they lost their final two games to Belgium and England by 2-1 scorelines to finish rock bottom of Group 2.
Four years later, Spain progressed all the way to the final, albeit riding their luck to some degree as they drew three matches out of four in 90 minut.
