CURITIBA, Brazil (AP) — 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 return to the Maracana for today’s must-win match against Chile nearly one year after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil in the Confederations Cup final.

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

Spain aren’t letting their poor history at one of the sport’s most storied settings become a distraction, however, as they look to reverse their poor start.

“The Maracana is mythical, but the only wish is for the result to be completely different from last year’s Confederations Cup final, and we can win,” Spain midfielder Juan Mata said.

Spain can take heart from two victories at the Maracana during the 1950 World Cup, 1-0 against England and 2-0 against Chile.

Spain now need to repeat that win over Chile, but preferably with an even bigger score line to make up for their poor goal differential.

“It’s a stadium with so much history, and we’ve played there already. It’s an important place and hopefully that can work in our favour,” said forward Pedro Rodriguez, who many expect to replace David Silva in the starting line-up today. “What’s clear is that we cannot afford to fail.”

Spain will also have to deal with another change in temperature as it goes from the cool winter weather of its training base in Curitiba to the warmer, muggier confines of Rio de Janeiro. The team wilted in the humidity of Salvador against the Dutch.

“We’ll adapt to the change of temperature, I don’t think it will affect our chances,” Pedro said.

Mata also thought the team would have enough time to adapt after travelling to Rio late on Monday.

“We’re happy training here, and I don’t think just because the temperature will rise a few degrees will be a determining factor or an excuse,” he said.

Spain have tended to start recent tournaments slowly, losing to Switzerland in their 2010 World Cup opener before drawing against Italy in their first Euro 2012 game. But both times they went on to lift the trophy.

This time, however, they find themselves in an uphill struggle in perhaps the tournament’s toughest group.

Pedro said Spain would be keeping an eye on his Barcelona teammate Alexis Sanchez, who guided Chile to their opening 3-1 victory over Australia.

“Alexis is the big star of that team, he assumes responsibility for leading it,” Pedro said. “His role at Barcelona is different. Chile rely on him more, and he had a great season and scored a lot of goals.”