That Spain even qualified for the 1984 European Championships was akin to a miracle. Needing to defeat Malta by an eleven-goal margin in their final group fixture to top their qualifying group, the Spanish incredibly won 12-1.

When in France at the tournament proper, Miguel Muñoz’s side rose to the occasion and headed up their group thanks to a last-minute winner by defender Antonio Maceda against West Germany. The same player scored again in the semi-finals against Denmark, a tie Spain ultimately won on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Spain succumbed 2-0 to hosts France in the Final with a slip by keeper Arconada gifting an opening goal to Michel Platini.