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Sports

World Cup holder Spain tries to reverse Maracana fortunes for must-win game against Chile

Associated Press
Published | Updated
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    Spain's Pedro Rodriguez, right, and Juan Mata listen, during a press conference at the Atletico Paranaense training center in Curitiba, Brazil, Monday, June 16, 2014. Spain will play Chile in group B World Cup soccer match on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) (The Associated Press)

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    Spain's head coach Vicente del Bosque, left, smiles as Diego Costa, second left, embraces Pedro Rodriguez during a training session at the Atletico Paranaense training center in Curitiba, Brazil, Sunday, June 15, 2014. Spain will play in group B of the Brazil 2014 World Cup. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) (The Associated Press)

CURITIBA, Brazil – The Maracana is not filled with many fond memories for Spain, whose World Cup title is on the line at the iconic football stadium.

Spain returns to the Maracana for Wednesday's must-win match against Chile nearly one year after a 3-0 loss to Brazil in the Confederations Cup final.

Spain's 5-1 loss to the Netherlands to open Group B was its heaviest competitive defeat since a 6-1 defeat to Brazil at the famed stadium in the 1950 World Cup.

Spain's players know they have to reverse their fortunes with midfielder Juan Mata saying "(Maracana) is special for any player. The only wish is that the result is different and that we can win."

Spain can take heart from two victories at the Maracana in 1950, including 2-0 against Chile.