Defending Champ Spain Out of World Cup
18 Jun, 2014
With its superstars aging and its loyal coach slow to blend in young talent, Spain’s glorious reign as the superpower of world football was bound to end.
The Spanish weren’t favored to repeat as World Cup champions. But few expected the utter collapse that ended Wednesday with a 2-0 loss Chile, knocking Spain from contention and ending the run of the greatest team of the century.
Chile’s pace and skill produced a dominating win similar to so many Spanish victories over the past six years. Spain was outplayed, out-run and out-fought.
The 5-1 beating by the Netherlands Friday was shocking and foretold where coach Vicente del Bosque’s team was heading: Home.
“If you think about everything accomplished, and you told me we would be eliminated in group stage, I wouldn’t believe you,” del Bosque said.
“We have no excuses. It’s a sad day for all of the players.”
Six of Spain’s squad has played at least 100 national team games while winning the 2010 World Cup and the European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
Spain became the third straight European defending World Cup champion to flop in the group stage. France in 2002 and Italy four years ago also failed to advance, or even win a match.
Spain came to Brazil with a very similar – but older – team to the 2010 squad. They added Brazilian-born striker Diego Costa, but he failed to score and was substituted in both matches.
Spain became the third straight European defending World Cup champion to flop in the group stage. France in 2002 and Italy four years ago also failed to advance, or even win a match.
Spain can at least end that streak in a consolation game Monday against Australia.
AP
Image Jamie Squire
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