Soccer odds: Spain vs. Italy

The Euro 2008 quarterfinals conclude on Sunday with easily the most anticipated match of the four: Spain vs. Italy.

While everyone considers Spain a powerhouse, its record in major tournaments actually is not very impressive. In fact, Spain's only two main tournament wins on the big stage came at the 1964 European Championship and 1992 Olympics. What did both of those tournaments have in common? They were in Spain.

So while the Spaniards were an impressive 3-0 in group play, they haven't beaten Italy in an international competition in 88 years.

"If you look at history, I am sure that Italy are the favorites because since 1920 they have always beaten us in official games, but we are doing well now and the squad is convinced that we can continue winning and reach the final," said Ruben De la Red, who scored his first goal for Spain during Wednesday's 2-1 win over Greece. "We are in very good form, with a potent attack, a skilful midfield and a strong defense."

No less than the Spanish Prime Minister has called on the team to "break the curse" in international competitions and against the Italians, predicting that Spain would beat Italy 3-2 on Sunday.

"We have to break the curse that seems to hang over the Spanish national team," José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero said. "We are good at football, but in international matches our team has always had a problem of self- onfidence. At the moment our national team is better than Italy's, and I believe that we will win 3-2."Spain forward David Villa leads the tournament with four goals. None of Italy's seven attacking players have scored yet, with center forward Luca Toni missing numerous chances.

Yet Spanish fans have noted the date this match falls on: June 22. It was on that date when Spain was eliminated in a penalty shootout by Belgium at the 1986 World Cup. The Spaniards also were defeated in penalties by England in the 1996 European Championship and lost to the South Korean team in the 2002 World Cup - all on June 22.

Injured Italian captain Fabio Cannavaro says his side has found its form after a 3-0 rout by the Dutch to open Euro 2008.

"Sometimes you get off to a false start in tournaments, but now we've got it together again and have rediscovered our team spirit," Cannavaro said. "The great high we experienced at the World Cup can be repeated again. Spain have an excellent side which we respect, but we are confident we can win."

Meanwhile, Italy defender Andrea Barzagli is out for the rest of Euro 2008 after surgery on his left knee. He hurt his meniscus in training Thursday. The World Cup champions will also be without key midfielders Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso due to accumulated cards - not to mention Cannavaro to injury.

It seems everything is lined up for Spain to end the drought on Sunday.