Spain’s track record in FIFA World Cup knockout stages following their historic 2010 championship run had become downright appalling. In the three subsequent tournaments, the national team failed to secure a single knockout victory.
Spain, a footballing powerhouse, that continuously churns out world-class talent and boasts clubs that routinely dominate European competitions, this sixteen-year drought was baffling.
That agonizing wait finally came to an end with a commanding 3-0 victory over Austria in the round of 32.
