**Exceptional Performance by Spain at Euro 2025: A Look into Their Strengths and Vulnerabilities**
Spain’s prowess in women’s football has been on full display at Euro 2025, with their exceptional performance marking them as a formidable contender in the tournament. After achieving two impressive victories—starting with a resounding 5-0 win against Portugal followed by a staggering 6-2 thrashing of Belgium—La Roja have swiftly secured their place in the knockout stages in the picturesque host nation of Switzerland.
As the reigning world champions and the top-ranked national team in the tournament, it comes as no surprise that Spain has a target on their back; however, their determination to dominate has only solidified their standing as one of the favorites. Commentators and former players alike have noted the challenges that await teams wishing to face Spain as they continue their campaign. Rachel Corsie, a former Scotland captain, acknowledged Spain’s impressive form by stating, “It’ll take something special to outdo them or get a win over them.” Indeed, Spain’s remarkable teamwork and individual talent have left an indelible mark at the tournament.
A significant factor contributing to Spain’s current success lies in their versatility. Every player seems to complement another, and their strategy exhibits a well-rounded mix of dynamic skill, with players capable of both intricate passing and powerful long-range shots. Eni Aluko, a former England forward, remarked, “Spain want to complete football. They are World Cup champions and Nations League winners, and they have their sights set on this Euros because they have not won it yet.”
**Spain’s Tactical Adaptability and Controlled Dominance**
In the matches against Portugal and Belgium, Spain demonstrated tactical flexibility. The latter presented a uniquely challenging encounter, with Belgium proving their mettle by equalizing twice. However, Spain’s resolve shone through, as they efficiently responded to each equalizer. This adaptability has left their opponents pondering how to manage Spain’s relentless attacks. Corsie acknowledged, “They (Spain) understand the game on a different level to anything we will see at this tournament,” highlighting the team’s superior decision-making in critical moments.
The second half of the game against Belgium saw Spain taking command, culminating in a striking final score that showcased their offensive capabilities. Esther Gonzalez, Claudia Pina, and Alexia Putellas were among the players who contributed to the scoreline as Spain’s shot tally reached an impressive total of 33 attempts. Patri Guijarro’s passing accuracy throughout the game, where she made a remarkable 105 passes, further paints the picture of Spain’s control on the ball, indicating their dominance in possession.
As they continue their journey in Euro 2025, both Montse Tome, the team’s manager, and Alexia Putellas are keenly aware that there are still areas for improvement. Concerningly, Emma Byrne, a former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, noted, “I still believe there is a lot more to come from Spain. We haven’t seen the best from them in a while, even though they are winning.” This sentiment suggests that Spain may still possess untapped potential that, when unleashed, could elevate them further beyond their current achievements.
**Identifying Vulnerabilities: Can Teams Exploit Them?**
Yet, despite their prevalent strengths, Spain is not entirely devoid of vulnerabilities. Observers have pointed out that Belgium exposed weak spots in Spain’s defense during their encounter. Notably, set-piece opportunities allowed Belgium to create chances, leading to goals from Justine Vanhaevermaet and Hannah Eurlings. The ability to capitalize on such moments may provide hope for teams facing Spain in the later stages of the tournament.
Corsie aptly summarized this concern by stating, “That will give teams and nations that they’ll face later on a bit of hope, and the way you can see they can be vulnerable.” For Spain, the hope is to fine-tune their gameplay so that any weaknesses, especially on defensive transitions, do not become a point of exploitation.
As Euro 2025 unfolds, Spain’s path forward remains bright, yet their journey is far from guaranteed. While their adaptability, skillset, and collective determination might overshadow their vulnerabilities for now, the true test will come when they face stronger nations that can capitalize on the small cracks in their armor. Only by addressing these potential weaknesses will Spain truly cement their status as a dominant force in women’s football.
