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Suárez reflects on Spain's EURO '64 joy

Luis Suárez had a key role in Spain winning their first major title at the 1964 UEFA European Championship, and so did the home support, the former Ballon d'Or winner tells UEFA.com.

Suárez reflects on Spain's EURO '64 joy
Suárez reflects on Spain's EURO '64 joy ©UEFA.com

The 1964 UEFA European Football Championship brought Spain their first major honour as the hosts overcame holders the USSR in the Santiago Bernabéu final in Madrid.

An older head in a youthful team, 1960 Ballon d'Or winner Luis Suárez had just helped FC Internazionale Milano clinch the first of back-to-back European Champion Clubs' Cups when he was called upon to inspire La Roja from midfield.

With the likes of Alfredo Di Stéfano and Francisco Gento omitted from the squad the pressure was on, but former FC Barcelona midfielder Suárez rose to the occasion, buoyed by home support he still recalls with "great joy". "There was never a moment where the fans criticised any of the players," he tells UEFA.com, "and that helped a lot."

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