Spain’s desire for glory on the international stage is as strong as ever. They are after all the only nation from the continent to triumph in soccer’s global showpiece outside Europe, thanks to their triumph in South Africa four years ago, La Roja got an indication of the task facing them when they were humbled 3-0 by hosts Brazil in last year’s Confederations Cup final.
The pressure of the occasion at an intimidating Maracana Stadium in Rio De Janeiro, where July’s World Cup final will be held, was too much for them.
They were unable to match Brazil’s intensity as they fell to what is one of only three defeats under coach Vicente Del Bosque in competitive games since he took over nearly six years ago.
