| Facts : |
| • |
In their first World Cup in
1934, Spain lost to Italy in the quarter-finals
in a replayed match. They fared better in
1950, beating the USA, Chile and England on
their way to a semi-final spot. Subsequent
losses to Brazil and Sweden saw the Spaniards
finish fourth overall. |
| • |
More than half a century later, Spain has
yet to equal that success. In 1982, Spanish
fans were devastated when the national team
and tournament hosts managed only one victory
on home soil and just managed to reach the
second phase of the FIFA World Cup. |
| • |
The national team enjoyed a better tournament
in 1986, before being eliminated by Belgium
in a penalty shoot-out. In 1990 they lost
in extra time in the second round to Yugoslavia,
while in 1994 they reached the quarter-finals.
In 1998 they were eliminated in the first
round. Korea Republic ended a more successful
Spanish campaign in 2002, defeating them in
a penalty shoot-out again in the quarter-finals. |
