The Spanish national team is charming football Europe. Four games, four wins, 9-1 in goals. So it is not surprising that fans in the neighboring country are euphoric.
The saga began at the 1934 World Cup in Italy. In the quarter-finals, Spain lost 1-0 in the play-off after a 1-1 draw in the first leg. The curse was cast, as has been seen since: 1-6 with Brazil in the 1950 World Cup; a draw (0-0) with Italy in the 1980 European Championship; a defeat (0-2) by France in the Euro 84 final; a defeat by Germany (0-2) at Euro ’88; a defeat by England on penalties (2-4 after 0-0) at Euro ’96; a defeat on penalties (3-5 after 0-0) against South Korea in the 2002 World Cup; a defeat by Portugal (1-0) at Euro 2004; a defeat on penalties (3-4 after 1-1) by Russia, in 2018.
But there is a small dark shadow looming ahead of next Friday’s quarter-final against Germany in Stuttgart: Spain has never beaten the host nation in European football or the World Cup. And it has had nine chances to do so in its history.
Author: Mario Pereira
Source: CM Jornal
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