Viktor Leonenko: "The Spanish national team is impressive. They scared everyone"

Former Dynamo Kyiv forward Viktor Leonenko commented on the Spanish national team's progress to the Euro 2024 final.

Viktor Leonenko

"The Spaniards set different conditions for the French than the rest of the rivals at the European Championship. The French are used to teams closing down in games against them, covering all areas. That's why they suffered until the semifinals. They didn't score from the game because they were cut off from oxygen on the approach to the penalty area. Then they found a way out - they made the most of standard positions.

In the match against Spain, they already had to run for the ball. This team was a revelation for me. Young guys, and how they act in the press! Add technique and balance in their actions, and it is clear why the Spaniards reached the final. And, of course, the performance skills. Yamal shook off four men and hit the free corridor under the bar. If he had scored the second one, he would probably have overtaken Mbappe in terms of transfer value. The Spaniards played in their usual manner, with a certain openness, but enviable safety net and very disciplined. They were not knocked out of their rut by a quick goal, they didn't even need to recover. They quickly played back and took the lead.

Deschamps did not fulfill the task, although reaching the semifinals is a good result. But the standards are different there. When you play in the final of the World Cup, then in two years you have to at least play in the final at the European Championship. This team could have claimed more.

Before the tournament, I was betting on England and France. Their squad is very powerful. I thought the Spaniards, Germans or Italians would disappoint. I was right about Italy. And Spain is impressive. A very young team, but the coach has made an interesting orchestra out of the players. They scared everyone," Leonenko said.