Three takeaways from the international break

No shortage of talking points.

Spain qualified for the quarter-finals of the Nations League following back-to-back home wins over Denmark and Serbia. There were plenty of noteworthy performances and discoveries to take away from the week, and here are three of them.

Spain celebrate Laporte’s early opener.

Euro triumph was no fluke
At the beginning of June, almost nobody predicted Spain to win the competition. By the end of the tournament, almost everyone who watched the Euros accepted that Spain were justified and worthy champions. Since then — and particularly in this October break — Spain have reinforced their status as Europe’s best national side.