Spain national football team results (1980–1989)

The Spain national football team experienced a period of mixed fortunes between 1980 and 1989. This decade saw them host the 1982 FIFA World Cup and compete in the 1984 UEFA European Championship, where they achieved their best result of the decade.

1980: Spain participated in the 1980 UEFA European Championship, held in Italy. They were drawn into Group B alongside Belgium, England, and Italy. Their performance was disappointing, failing to progress beyond the group stage.

1981: Primarily focused on World Cup qualification matches.

1982: Spain hosted the 1982 FIFA World Cup. Expectations were high, but they underperformed, failing to progress beyond the second group stage. This was a significant disappointment for the host nation.

1983: Focused on qualification for the 1984 European Championship.

1984: Spain reached the final of the 1984 UEFA European Championship, held in France. They lost to France in the final 2-0, securing the runners-up position. This represented a significant achievement for the team during this decade.

1985: Involved in qualification matches for the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

1986: Spain participated in the 1986 FIFA World Cup held in Mexico. They reached the quarter-finals, where they were defeated by Belgium on penalties.

1987: Began qualification for the 1988 UEFA European Championship.

1988: Spain competed in the 1988 UEFA European Championship, held in West Germany. They were drawn into Group A alongside West Germany, Italy, and Denmark. They failed to progress beyond the group stage.

1989: Continued qualification for the 1990 FIFA World Cup.

Overall, the decade was marked by periods of both success and disappointment. While hosting the World Cup in 1982 did not meet expectations, reaching the final of Euro 1984 was a high point. Their performance at the 1986 World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals, also showed promise, but consistency remained elusive. The team underwent several managerial changes during this period, reflecting the ongoing search for a winning formula.