Spain have to break a 22-year hoodoo

INNSBRUCK, June 19 - Spain will have to break a 22-year hoodoo if they are to beat Italy in their Euro 2008 quarter-finals in Vienna on Sunday.

"La Seleccion" have suffered three painful defeats penalty shootout in the quarter-finals at major tournaments in matches played on June 22.

They lost to Belgium on the spot kicks during the last eight of the Mexico World Cup in 1986 after a late goal from Juan Senor won a 1-1 to Puebla on June 22.

A decade later, they were beaten on penalties by England after a 0-0 draw at Wembley in Euro 96, Fernando Hierro and Miguel Angel Nadal lack of space.

They then lost the co-hosts South Korea on penalties after another goalless done in the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals.

With the clock running in extra time, Spain seems to have caught a "golden goal" winner of Fernando Morientes only for Egyptian referee Gamal Al-Ghandour, to prohibit, saying that the ball rolled out of play Joaquin before crossing.

Several players keep their heads during the shootout and Joaquin, now carrying an injury, missed his spot kick, allowing South Korea triumph.

However, on June 22 has not had a chance for Italy.

They were eliminated on this date in the group stage of Euro 2004 in Portugal, with five points. They beat Bulgaria 2-1, but was released because Sweden scored a last minute goal to draw 2-2 with Denmark and the two Scandinavian sides qualified.

In EURO 88, they lost their semi-final to the Soviet Union 2-0 in Stuttgart on June 22.

Spain have never beaten Italy at a major tournament outside the Olympics. The same is true of another quarter-final penalty shootout defeat on maps or can it be fourth time lucky for Spain?