KUALA LUMPUR: The rivalry between England and Spain in world football has got their foreign missions here all worked up, with both sides claiming the upper hand ahead of the Euro 2024 final.
With Spain looking to win its fourth title, and England seeking to win the competition for the first time ever, both missions are banking on support from Malaysian fans as their teams clash in the final.
David Wallace, Charge d’Affaires at the British High Commission here, said there was real momentum behind Team England at Euro 2024 in Germany.
“(Manager) Gareth Southgate’s squad has shown grit and resilience by coming from behind in all three knockout ties, and played their best match by far in the semi-finals against the Dutch team.
“This is the first time the men’s team has played a final on foreign soil.
May the best team win: Wallace (left) and Luis Pardo.
“Riding on the wave of support from home and around the world – including from fans in Malaysia – we’re all rooting for England’s men to match England’s women who won in 2022 and to ‘bring it home’ as European champions!”
Spanish Ambassador to Malaysia Jose Luis Pardo described football as a passionate sport.
“You live it with passion even here in Malaysia, where I have had the opportunity of attending national league matches.
“I witnessed the same in many places in Europe, America, Africa and Middle-Eastern countries where I have been posted before.
“We are not an exception in Spain – you know the traditional rivalry among clubs like the one between Real Madrid and Barcelona FC.
“But when the national team plays, it is different and all our people support the La Roja (The Red One, meaning the Spanish national team),” he added.
Luis Pardo said like in real life, “in football, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose”.
“But the important thing is to try to give your best. In this Euros, we have a very young and talented team with some experienced players, putting the best of our talent in motion.
“I am very proud of the example shown to the Spanish young generation,” he said, citing the contributions of key players like Nico Williams and Ansu Fati.
The envoy said he was looking forward to an amazing final between two very good and competitive teams “from countries that love dynamic football”.
“I think we will enjoy a good outing – even with a bit of suffering. Good luck to all and let the best win!” he declared.
