Berlin (Reuters)
With a majestic performance, Spain have swept aside their rivals at Euro 2024, winning six straight matches, including a comeback once morest France in the semi-finals, despite missing key players.
Against France, Spain were without defenders Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand due to suspension, as well as midfielder Pedri, who suffered a knee injury, which will keep him out of the tournament.
Despite conceding an early goal, Spain did not panic, and got back on track with two goals in four minutes, before holding on to their lead with the same maturity and composure, as they have done in the past few weeks regardless of the opponent.
Defender Dan Vivian, 24, was called up to the national team for the first time earlier this year following a strong season with Spanish Cup winners Bilbao, and arrived in Germany as Spain’s fourth choice in defence.
But in the absence of Carvajal and Le Normand on Tuesday, he had to perform at his highest level as Jesus Navas, 38, began to tire and looked set for a second yellow card, although he did a good job of limiting Kylian Mbappe following the early goal.
Navas was the last remaining member of Spain’s golden generation that won the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships, but despite the difficulty of the task, Vivian put in a strong performance in the last half hour, winning every challenge he was involved in and showing the confidence of a veteran despite his young age.
Vivian had four important interventions, 83 percent of his passes were successful, and helped Spain to limit the danger of France’s attack in the final minutes.
He said the team’s unity was the highlight.
“At the end of the day, we work for the common good. Everyone has their own personality. It’s good that there are different people who follow a pattern to make everything go well here. Everyone knows they have a role to play. We try not to overthink what might happen, but what lies ahead. The daily work and preparing well for each match, as if it were a final. When we have free time, we try to visualize, relax and be in a positive state of mind. We feel like we are winners every day. But that doesn’t mean you have already won the championship. You have to take it one risk at a time. We visualize our victory while working to achieve what we all want. We are one step away from that goal.”
sfarsit articol
Berlin (Reuters)
With a dominant performance, Spain has swept through Euro 2024, winning six consecutive matches, including a comeback once morest France in the semi-finals, despite missing key players.
Against France, Spain was without defenders Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand due to suspension, as well as midfielder Pedri, who suffered a knee injury that ruled him out of the tournament.
Despite conceding an early goal, Spain didn’t panic and regained their composure, scoring two goals in four minutes. They maintained their lead with the same maturity and composure they have demonstrated throughout the tournament, regardless of the opponent.
Defender Dan Vivian, 24, was called up to the national team for the first time earlier this year following a strong season with Spanish Cup winners Bilbao. He arrived in Germany as Spain’s fourth-choice defender.
However, with the absence of Carvajal and Le Normand on Tuesday, Vivian had to step up. Jesus Navas, 38, was visibly tiring and nearing a second yellow card, though he effectively limited Kylian Mbappe following the early goal.
Navas was the last remaining member of Spain’s golden generation that won the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships. Despite the challenging situation, Vivian delivered a strong performance in the final half hour, winning every challenge and displaying the confidence of a seasoned player despite his youth.
Vivian made four crucial interventions, completed 83% of his passes, and helped Spain contain France’s attack in the closing minutes.
He attributed the team’s success to their unity.
“Ultimately, we work for the collective good. Everyone brings their own personality to the table. It’s great that there are different people who follow a shared pattern to make everything work. Everyone knows their role. We try not to overthink what might happen, but rather focus on what lies ahead. We dedicate ourselves to daily work and preparation for each match, as if it were a final. When we have free time, we try to visualize, relax, and stay positive. We feel like winners every day. But that doesn’t mean we’ve already won the championship. We need to take things one step at a time. We envision our victory while working hard to achieve what we all desire. We are one step away from that goal.”
Spain’s ‘Unlikely’ Hero: Dan Vivian Shines in Euro 2024
Spain’s impressive run at Euro 2024 continues, fueled by an unlikely hero in defender Dan Vivian. Despite missing key players and facing a tough opponent in the semi-finals, Spain emerged victorious, showcasing resilience and a team spirit that has become their hallmark.
Vivian’s Rise to Stardom
Dan Vivian, a 24-year-old defender, was a relative unknown on the international stage just a few months ago. His impressive performances with Spanish Cup winners Bilbao earned him a national team call-up earlier this year, but he initially found himself fourth in the pecking order.
However, fate intervened when Spain was hit by a wave of injuries and suspensions, leading to Vivian unexpectedly stepping into the spotlight. With Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand suspended and Pedri sidelined with a knee injury, the young defender was thrust into a crucial role in the semi-final match once morest France.
Stepping Up to the Challenge
Despite facing an intimidating opponent in Kylian Mbappe and a France side known for their attacking prowess, Vivian rose to the occasion. With seasoned veteran Jesus Navas showing signs of fatigue and nearing a second yellow card, Vivian was tasked with limiting the threat of Mbappe in the final half hour.
He didn’t disappoint. Vivian showcased unwavering confidence and maturity beyond his years, displaying an ability to control the game and shut down Mbappe’s dangerous runs. He made four crucial interventions, boasted an 83% pass completion rate, and played a significant role in Spain’s defensive solidity during the crucial closing stages.
Teamwork and Unity
Vivian’s success wasn’t solely due to his individual talent. He attributes his performance, and Spain’s overall success, to the team’s unyielding unity and shared goal. He spoke of their collaborative spirit, emphasizing the importance of each player understanding and fulfilling their specific role.
“We try not to overthink what might happen, but what lies ahead,” Vivian said. “The daily work and preparing well for each match, as if it were a final. We feel like we are winners every day. But that doesn’t mean you have already won the championship. You have to take it one risk at a time. We visualize our victory while working to achieve what we all want.”
A New Star Rises
Dan Vivian’s journey from relative obscurity to Euro 2024 hero is a testament to dedication, resilience, and the power of opportunity. His performance once morest France not only showcased his exceptional abilities but also underlined the importance of team spirit and perseverance in achieving success on the world stage.
As Spain advances to the final, the spotlight on the unassuming defender is bound to intensify. However, Vivian has proven himself capable of handling pressure and delivering when it matters most. With his emerging talent and unwavering commitment, Spain has discovered a new hero who might very well lead them to European glory.