Spain has had many unforgettable moments in international football — the games that aren’t just about the score, but about what they meant: paradigm shifts, big comebacks, pride, style and legacy.
For much of the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, Spain were considered one of international football’s great “nearly” teams.
Despite often arriving at major tournaments in excellent form and among the favorites, La Roja repeatedly fell short when it mattered most, leaving fans frustrated by their unfulfilled potential.
Everything changed, however, during the golden era between 2008 and 2012, when Spain finally turned promise into dominance — winning back-to-back European Championships and their first-ever World Cup to cement their place among football’s elite.
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Best 10 Matches Ever for Spain
Spain has had many unforgettable moments in international football — the games that aren’t just about the score, but about what they meant: paradigm shifts, big comebacks, pride, style and legacy. Here are what I consider the Top 10 Matches Ever in the history of the Spanish men’s national team, based partly on the FourFourTwo list and reworked for narrative.
1. Spain 1-0 Netherlands (2010, World Cup Final)
The crown jewel. The match that tops the list. It encapsulates everything: pressure, tactical tension, desire, history. Iniesta’s goal, the jubilation, the sense of “we’re the best in the world now.” Nothing else quite matches it.
2. Spain 1-0 England (1950, World Cup group stage / final round group)
A classic from deep in the archives. England were a big name, full of prestige. Telmo Zarra scored the winner, giving Spain one more proof of their resilience. Not one of the flashiest but one of the most meaningful.
3. Denmark 1-5 Spain (1986, World Cup Round of 16)
When Spain turned the heat up. After Denmark opened the scoring, Spain responded with an offensive onslaught. Emilio Butragueño scored four; it’s one of those games where you hang on every pass, every cross — because you know something special is happening.
4. Spain 2-1 Soviet Union (1964, European Nations’ Cup Final)
Spain’s maiden major trophy. A close, hard-fought final. Spain took the lead, let the Soviet Union equalize, and then Marcelino’s late header delivered glory. It was the birth of belief.
5. Netherlands 0-1 Spain (2010, World Cup Final)
The match for which legends live on. After 90 intense minutes, Andrés Iniesta scored in extra time to hand Spain their first ever World Cup. The pinnacle.
6. Spain 4-0 Italy (2012, Euro Final)
Spain’s dominance at its height. In the final, Italy stood no chance. Spain delivered a complete performance: possession, creativity, ruthless finishing. They retained their European crown emphatically.
7. Germany 0-1 Spain (2008, Euro Final)
A defining moment. Spain broke a 44-year drought without a major trophy, beating Germany in the Euro 2008 final with a Torres goal. It launched their golden era.
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8. Spain 9-0 Austria (1999, Euro 2000 qualifier)
Another huge win that announced Spanish scoring power. Raúl scored four, others piled on, and Spain showed teeth in qualifiers — not just in big tournaments.
9. Spain 12-1 Malta (1983, Euro qualifying)
A night in Seville that went down in history. Spain needed a massive goal difference to qualify, and delivered one of their most astonishing offensive performances. Goals were everywhere, from stars and unsung heroes alike.
10. Spain 6-0 Germany (2020, Nations League)
Under Luis Enrique, Spain finally exploded against a top opponent. This match wasn’t just a big margin — it showcased dominance: over 70% possession, relentless attacks, creativity. A statement game.
