Apart from winning the European Nations Cup( the forerunner of the Euros) in 1964 Spain was the poor relation of European football.In the 60s,70s and the 80s Italy,West Germany and the Dutch were the top Euro nations.France was an also ran during this time.
Real Madrid was the dominant club side for much of that time but had players from many nations.
When Cruyff started organising the Barcelona method of football other Spanish clubs took notice and started working on young players techniques.Now the Spanish national team has players with almost flawless technique as well as highly developed football intelligence.

socceroosmad said:

I used to love Argentina. Can't remember which World Cup, ARG v MEX 30 something passes by Argentina leading inevitably to the goal. Beautiful. Now? Ugly

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I think you’re talking about Cambiaso’s goal against Serbia/Montenegro (at that time).

Pékerman was the manager that day. One of my fav’s.

We probably could have beaten this Argentinian team on a good day playing Pop's park the entire country strategy