It's S'painful ..

History seems was not on La Roja's side that they never advanced past the World Cup quarterfinals since its best finish of fourth in 1950. In the past two World Cups, Spain has won all six of its group-stage matches and they have to show for it is a quarter loss to South Korea in 2002. With lauded expectations in this World Cup, Spain has developed a reputation over the years for being the most dominant team in group stage, then falling flat on its face once the knockout round arrives.

The fact that no team has ever lost its opening match and gone on to become champion despite German (1982), Argentina (1990) and Italy (1994) almost did it. It would be a bit unsettling for Spain and most other favorite's teams at this year's World Cup. Spain had lost only once in last 49 matches coming into the party, with a Euro 2008 victory earned along the way. But that sole defeat also came in a similar manner in South Africa, they were stunned by the United States in last year's Confederations Cup.

Same old story, Spain becomes the latest Euro champ to stumble in its opening World Cup game. There were only two of the last nine reigning Euro champions have managed a victory in their opening match at the World Cup, France in 1986 and Germany in 1998. Let's hope their loss may be a good sign for Spanish and fans to make it better. For years, the team has wasted its best performances in the group stage, only to come up small under pressure for the next battle.