German newspaper Bild reports that Spain should be confident in their quarterfinal clash against Germany at the European Championship. After all, Luis de la Fuente’s side showed impressive form in the group stage, finishing with a perfect record and then dispatching Georgia 4-1 in the Round of 16. However, Spanish media and fans are deeply concerned by a seemingly inescapable historical curse.
Statistics show that the Spanish national team has never beaten a host nation in either the World Cup or the European Championship. They’ve had nine chances to break the curse, but have failed every time: 1934 World Cup against Italy (0-1), 1950 World Cup against Brazil (1-6), 1980 European Championship against Italy (0-0), 1984 European Championship against France (0-2), 1988 European Championship against Germany (0-2), 1996 European Championship against England (2-4 on penalties), 2002 World Cup against South Korea (3-5 on penalties), 2004 European Championship against Portugal (0-1), and most recently, in the Round of 16 of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Spain lost 3-4 to the host nation on penalties.
Therefore, many Spanish experts and fans are concerned that Spain will once again succumb to the host nation’s curse and suffer defeat in their European Championship clash with Germany on Friday.
However, the Spanish players have a different mindset, unfazed by this curse. Leipzig forward Dani Olmo said after Spain qualified for the quarter-finals: “Facing host nation Germany and their fans will just excite us more.” Meanwhile, 16-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal stated: “No team is stronger than us at this European Championship. We have the strength to beat any opponent, including Germany.”
Nevertheless, Germany’s advantage as host nation should not be underestimated. They will enjoy the support of the majority of the fans at the Stuttgart Arena, and are eager to break their long losing streak against Spain dating back to the 1988 European Championship when they defeated Spain 2-0 at home, their last official win over Spain.
Thus, Friday’s encounter is more than just a regular match; it holds historical significance, with victory becoming a crucial step towards the championship for both sides. Can Spain break their curse of failing to defeat a host nation, or will Germany defend their home advantage? This clash is sure to capture the attention of football fans worldwide.
This article is from a user submission and does not represent the views of Soccer News Pick. If you repost it, please indicate the source: https://www.soccernewspick.com/uefa-european-championship/6203.html
