The Spanish team crashed out of the FIFA World Cup 2018 after hosts, Russia, defeated them in an exciting penalty shootout. One of the top contenders to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Spain were knocked out by the Russian team after they failed to win the penalty shootout. The defeat brought back the horrors for La Roja as they failed to beat the host team, yet again, in a FIFA World Cup tournament.

Did you know? The Spanish football has never beaten the host team in the FIFA World Cup history. Sound surprising? Well, the loss against Russia reiterated the fact that Spain has failed to beat the host country while playing against them in a World Cup tournament; last night it was Russia. Defending Champions Germany Knocked-Out of 2018 FIFA World Cup: List of Previous Winners Who Faced First Round Exits.

At 2002 FIFA World Cup, which was co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, the Spanish side lost to the hosts, after failing to win the penalty shootout. In the second quarterfinal match of 2002 World Cup, the match between Spain and South Korea ended in a draw 0-0; however, the Korean team prevailed 5-3 on penalties.

At 1950 FIFA World Cup, Spain lost their Final round match against hosts, Brazil. The loss was a brutal one as Brazil defeated Spain 6-1, and advanced to the finals of the tournament.

At 1934 FIFA World Cup, too, the Spanish team faced defeat against the hosts, Italy. Their quarterfinal match was a draw 1-1; however, in their second match, the Italian team prevailed over Spain as they were knocked out of the World Cup.

List of Spain Football Team Defeats against Host Countries in FIFA World Cup History:

Sr. No. Hosts Opponent Score Winner World Cup Edition
1. A. Italy Spain 1-1 Draw 1934 FIFA World Cup
1. B. 1-0 Italy
2. Brazil Spain 6-1 Brazil 1950 FIFA World Cup
3. South Korea (and Japan) Spain 0-0 (5-3) South Korea 2002 FIFA World Cup
4. Russia Spain 1-1 (4-3) Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup

There was another trivial fact that got associated with the last night’s penalty shootout between Spain and Russia. The victory of the hosts, Russia, ensured that the record of host’s 100 percent win ration remained intact. In the last five penalty shootouts (in 2014, 2006, 2002, and 1998) that have taken place at FIFA World Cup 2018 has never seen the host team lose out to the opponents.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 02, 2018 07:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).