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By Sam Sheringham
England fans who associate World Cups with false dawns and heartbreak should spare a thought for the Spanish.
For a country that has given us two of the most celebrated club sides in the game's history and a roll call of stellar players, Spain's record in the global showpiece is nothing short of woeful.
Fourth place in 1950 is their best showing in 16 tournaments, with most of their other campaigns ending in humiliation, misfortune, or abject failure .
However, South Africa 2010 promises to be a very different story.
Victory at Euro 2008 ended a 44-year wait for an international trophy and was followed by a World Cup qualifying campaign in which Vicente del Bosque's side won all 10 of their games, culminating in a 5-2 away victory over their nearest rivals Bosnia-Herzegovina.
More at http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/foot...10/8688093.stm
England fans who associate World Cups with false dawns and heartbreak should spare a thought for the Spanish.
For a country that has given us two of the most celebrated club sides in the game's history and a roll call of stellar players, Spain's record in the global showpiece is nothing short of woeful.
Fourth place in 1950 is their best showing in 16 tournaments, with most of their other campaigns ending in humiliation, misfortune, or abject failure .
However, South Africa 2010 promises to be a very different story.
Victory at Euro 2008 ended a 44-year wait for an international trophy and was followed by a World Cup qualifying campaign in which Vicente del Bosque's side won all 10 of their games, culminating in a 5-2 away victory over their nearest rivals Bosnia-Herzegovina.
More at http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/foot...10/8688093.stm