GROUP B: Better to start out winning - Spain reject the debut superstition

Alberto Bravo, dpa

At the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Spain turned around history by lifting the trophy despite losing 1-0 to Switzerland in their first game. Never before had a team won the title after losing on their debut. 

Two years later, Spain were held 1-1 by Italy to start Euro 2012, but again eventually emerged triumphant by hammering the same opponents 4-0 in the final. 

"To pick up three points from the first game will be crucial in such a difficult group," said reserve defender Raul Albiol Monday.

Now the challenge is even more difficult because group B will be an obstacle race full of difficulties, thanks to the presence of the Netherlands, Chile and Australia.

Spain will start out Friday against the Dutch in a rerun of the 2010 final, which Del Bosque's team won 1-0 in extra-time. The last game in South Africa will be their first game in Brazil, a match which could establish the shape of things to come in the group.

"It is a key match because it is the first one. If we win our opening game then we will have taken an important step forward," said forward David Silva.

The trajectory of Spain at recent tournaments shows a team that finds it difficult to start out with a good rythm, something they would like to change now in order to avoid problems in such a difficult group.

A debut defeat like in 2010 would put the Spaniards against the wall, though a triple tie between Spain, the Netherlands and Chile cannot be ruled out, given that Australia will struggle to pick up points, according to most predictions. And if this happens, then goal difference between the top three would come into the equation.

In addition, finishing second in the group will probably carry a heavy punishment because that team would have to face the top side in group A, in which Brazil are clear favourites. This is why the Spain-Netherlands game is especially important.

Spain will go into Friday's game with doubts about the condition of several players - in particular those of Barcelona, who looked fatigued towards the end of the season.

However, Del Bosque is a naturally confident man, always ready to challenge the sceptics. "I believe the players are very talented and stimulated. I think they are training well, and we will be in good shape for Friday," he told sports daily Marca.

His words are an injection of optimism for a Spanish team determined, against the Dutch, not to repeat their previous poor starts.