Spain overturn England at Wembley, recalling Hungary in 1953

Spain stormed Wembley, in the manner of Hungary in 1953. By overturning the score before bringing England down on home soil, the Spanish national team revived the memory of another English defeat at the stadium: that of a country winning 3-6.

The author of the account recalls hearing news of that result while on holiday in Guimerà, his native village. Newspapers arrived there on the same day, but in the afternoon, carried by a bus on the Tàrrega-Vallfogona route. Some residents waited for its arrival to follow sports news, especially the Tour de France in summer, at a time when television was not yet known in the village. The press was therefore, in his view, the most credible source of information.

That memory returned to him while watching this Spanish side, capable of coming from behind to beat England away from home. He describes a phenomenon worthy of study: for several months, players who are merely reliable for their clubs have raised their level when called up by the national team. Their football is portrayed as simple and open, with an ability to score heavily while preventing opponents from moving ahead on the scoreboard.

Under Luis de la Fuente, Spain once again turned the match around. The author highlights the ability of a former full-back, whom he describes as discreet, to lead a group of excellent footballers. He also believes football sometimes appears uncontrollable, while possessing characteristics that, at times, make it resemble a sporting discipline.

In another passage, he refers to Florentino and his belief that signing José Mourinho would solve every problem immediately after a television appearance by the white president, who had set out his regrets and difficulties. Mourinho is presented as an experienced coach accustomed to difficult situations. But in this view, football is so varied that a remedy effective for one injury does not necessarily fix the one beside it. The author has the impression that the Whites will endure a difficult season, made heavier by Barça’s good form and that of another team.

Above all, he gives Spain great credit. The team is emerging with positive surprises whenever its players wear the national shirt, while most national sides would be declining. Lamine Yamal, described as an excellent footballer but not yet a natural goalscorer, scored the first goal in London. He could become one, and that goal could help him. There is little time left.