It is now known why Spanish athletes refrain from singing the national song prior to games.
As Spain gets ready to play England at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Sunday night, they are just one win away from claiming Euro 2024.
With all of their matches won, La Roja—the winners of the Euro title in 2008 and 2012—are undoubtedly the best team in the competition thus far.
Many supporters all across the world noticed that Spain’s players don’t sing the country’s anthem before their games. This is because La Marcha Real, the national song of Spain, is almost wordless.
The anthem, written in 1771 by Manuel de Espinosa de los Monteros and later made famous by Queen Isabella II, is one of only four songs in the world without lyrics, the others being those from San Marino, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Spain.
It had, however, previously contained words added by General Franco during his dictatorship from 1938 to 1973. However, the lyrics were removed after he left office in order to prevent any connection to Franco and his tyranny.
According to Metro, the Spanish Olympic Committee attempted to include the phrase “Viva Espana” but was rejected because of its association with Franco.
Speaking ahead of the final against England, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said: “It’s an even match-up, just as our previous knockout games were. If we are not above the level we displayed in those games, we won’t have a chance of winning – and the same if we make mistakes.
“It’s fantastic to be here and we are excited to be in the final. It’s one of the biggest sporting achievements there is. We are relaxed and looking forward to playing.”
He added: “Sunday will be a complicated game against a great team, between the best two teams, that’s why we are in the final.
“These matches, which are so even, are often decided by the finer details. The team that makes the fewest mistakes will have the best chance of winning.”
