Spain's World Cup Opening Game Jinx: 4 of Last 5 Without Victory

Spain have developed an unfortunate habit of stumbling out of the blocks in World Cup tournaments. La Roja have failed to win their opening fixture in four of their last five World Cup campaigns, a stark contrast to their reputation as European giants. This trend has seen them draw or lose their first group-stage matches, making life difficult for themselves in the knockout stages. Take the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, for example—Spain, then defending champions, were thrashed 5-1 by Netherlands i...