World Champions Spain crashed out of the World Cup after suffering a devastating 2-0 defeat to Chile in their second match of Group B.
Spain knew there was no room for error, but Chile started the match with zest and energy, forcing a goal mouth scramble at the Spanish goal post early in the game.
Spain struggled to stamp their authority on the game as they would have wanted as their possession play failed to yield meaningful chances.
They eventually forced an opening in the Chilean defense in the 14th minute but Alonso was swiftly denied by the brave Bravo in the Chilean goal.
A hill became a mountain for the Spaniards in the 20th minute when their ever shaky defense was riped apart via a swift sweeping move by the Chileans which was crowned with a tap-in by Eduardo Vargas.
Disaster struck for the world champions in the 42nd minute when Casillas punched a free kick by Sanchez but Charles Arangui was on hand to finish off the rebound. Spain were out of sort and deservedly down going into the break.
Meaningful football is what you do with your possession. Spain again dominated possession but with no meaningful chances. Buiquests wasted a big chance to half the deficit for Spain as he misplaced a what would have been a simple tap-in in the 54th minute.
The beauty of the game lies in the fact that it can be won with many styles. The Chileans were equal to everything Spain offered and looked dangerous on the counter. Isla had a big chance to cap Spain’s miserable night with a third goal for Chile after a sweet counter-attack, but could not direct is sliding effort goalwards. As the clock ticked down on Spain’s title defense, the Chileans played with more confidence and authority.
In the last throw of the Spanish dice, Del Bosque brought in Carzola for Pedro in the 75th minute. The Arsenal man forced two saves from the Chilean goalkeeper but could not inspire a comeback, as the Spanish bow out of the tournament with a bad record of being the first defending champion to lose the first two matches at the World Cup.
