Euro 2016: 5 jinxes that were & weren't broken at this edition

Unbroken: Spain’s white jersey

Spain have failed to seal a victory at a major tournament while wearing the white jersey.

Heading to Euro 2016, Spain had lost their previous four matches at a major tournament while wearing white. This hoodoo began with their 2-1 defeat to Italy at the 1994 World Cup. It was followed by losses to Nigeria at the 1998 World Cup, Portugal at Euro 2004 and Netherlands two years ago at the 2014 World Cup.

Having ensured qualification for the knockout stages after victories in the first two matches, Spain faced Croatia in their final fixture of the group stages of Euro 2016. Spain took an early lead after Alvaro Morata’s strike found the back of the net.

However, Croatia netted twice later in the game and Spain lost their fifth consecutive match at major tournaments in their white jersey.

Finishing second to Croatia in the group meant that they would face Italy in their Round of 16 fixture. Spain once again sported their white jersey while Italy wore the traditional blue. In the battle between the two heavyweights, Italy triumphed with goals from Giorgio Chiellini and Graziano Pelle, as Spain’s jinx with the white shirt continued.