Spain's reign ends with a whimper after six years of dominance

RIO DE JANEIRO -- To watch the collapse of Spain, eliminated from the World Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Chile, was to be reminded of Hemingway’s comment on

Jonathan Wilson | Jun 18, 2014

Spain's reign ends with a whimper after six years of dominance /

RIO DE JANEIRO -- To watch the collapse of Spain, eliminated from the World Cup after a 2-0 defeat to Chile, was to be reminded of Hemingway’s comment on bankruptcy. The end came gradually, and then suddenly.

Over the past couple of years, slight signs of vulnerability have appeared, in the 3-0 loss to Brazil in the 2013 Confederations Cup final and in surprising defeats in friendlies, which perhaps shouldn’t have been blamed as readily as they were on weariness brought on by the Spanish federation’s determination to flog its champions around the world in search of lucre.

Players aged, hunger waned, doubts crept in. Was Iker Casillas quite as good as he had been? Was Xavi, now 34, running out of legs? With teams more comfortable in combating the tiki-taka style, was there need for a more orthodox center forward? What was going on with Gerard Pique’s defending? Vicente del Bosque was gloomy but dignified in defeat. He avoided any sweeping statements about changes that needed to be made, saying merely that his side had been “shy and sluggish” in the first half and praising his players’ response after the break.

“I would like to have some time to think things over,” he said. “We’ve been together 24 or 25 days. We have trained well, we were fit. We didn’t expect that. We will have to take a decision about what is best for Spain and that applies to my management. We were not brave enough maybe.”

But this was about more than one match, more than one week. This was a moment when history caught up with a giant and brought it down. When enough cracks converge, the edifice collapses. There may have been doubts about Spain, but nobody predicted quite this level of capitulation.

HOW IT HAPPENED: Chile 2, Spain 0

Although Spain is the fifth champion to be eliminated in the group stage of the next tournament, and the third in the last four tournaments, it is the first to losing its first two games. That’s often the way it is, though, with the great teams – and amidst the debris of this defeat, it shouldn’t be forgotten just how great this Spain was – when they go, they are shattered.

The reasons for that are many and varied, but in Spain’s case it seemed that it had forgotten how to cope with a game in which it wasn’t in control. Certainly against the Netherlands, having fallen behind and chasing the game recklessly exposed the weakest part of its team – the defense – to the strongest part of the Dutch – the pace of Arjen Robben.

Perhaps also there was a sense that the desire had gone, as there has been at Barcelona this season: having given so much to win so much, is there any energy left to cling on? There are those who will argue that this spells the death of tiki-taka, but that is to oversimplify the issue.

While it probably is the case that tiki-taka has lost its aura, in that even the biggest teams now are prepared to follow the example of Bayern against Barcelona in the Champions League 2013 or Real Madrid against Bayern this season and play on the counterattack against possession-based sides, whereas Manchester United in its two Champions League finals against Barcelona seemed bewildered at its lack of possession, the decline of Spain is more to do with the decline of a generation of players than with the end of a tactical approach.

Scenes of the 2014 World Cup

Brasilia, Brazil

James Rodriguez (10) of Colombia and teammates dance and celebrate after Rodriguez notches his team's first goal during the Group C match between Colombia and Cote D'Ivoire.

Brasilia, Brazil

Yaya Toure of the Ivory Coast and Abel Aguilar of Colombia compete for the ball during the Group C match between Colombia and Cote D'Ivoire.

Brasilia, Brazil

James Rodriguez of Colombia scores his team's first goal of the match past goalkeeper Boubacar Barry of the Ivory Coast on a header.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Sergio Busquets of Spain reacts after a missed chance in his team's disappointing loss to Chile. The defeat knocked the defending World Cup champions out of the running to advance to the next round.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Eduardo Vargas of Chile scores the team's first goal past goalkeeper Iker Casillas of Spain in the 2-0 Chile victory.

Porto Alegre, Brazil

Robin Van Persie of the Netherlands and Matthew Spiranovic of Australia battle for the ball during a 3-2 win by the Netherlands.

Porto Alegre, Brazil

Memphis Depay of the Netherlands jumps into teammates' arms in celebration after scoring the team’s third goal in the group B match.

Porto Alegre, Brazil

Mile Jedinak of Australia celebrates with his teammates after scoring Australia’s second goal of the Group B match against the Netherlands.

Cuiaba, Brazil

Dennis Grombkowski/FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Lee Keun-Ho of South Korea celebrates after scoring the team's first and only goal in a tie with Russia.

Cuiaba, Brazil

Russia's forward Alexander Kerzhakov scores during the 1-1 draw with South Korea in the Pantanal Arena in Cuiaba.

Cuiaba, Brazil

Aleksandr Kerzhakov and Han Kook-Young exchange words during their match on June 17.

Fortaleza, Brazil

Neymar of Brazil and Francisco Javier Rodriguez of Mexico battle for the ball during the Group A match resulting in a 0-0 draw.

Fortaleza, Brazil

Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa of Mexico saves header attempt by Thiago Silva of Brazil during the Group A match.

Fortaleza, Brazil

Marco Fabian of Mexico challenges Willian of Brazil resulting in a foul against the Mexican player.

Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Daniel Van Buyten of Belgium and El Arbi Hillel Soundani of Algeria battle to win a header during their opening match of the World Cup 2014.

Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Sofiane Feghouli of Algeria scores the first goal of the Group H match between Algeria and Belgium off of a penalty kick in the first half.

Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Dries Mertens of Belgium scores the winning goal of the Group H match between Belgium and Algeria putting Belgium ahead 2-1.

Algiers, Algeria

Algerian fans gather outside of the central post office building in Algiers to watch the match between Algeria and Belgium.

John Brooks reacts after scoring the game winner on a header in the 86th minute of a 2-1 U.S. victory over Ghana, the team that had knocked the Americans out of the previous two World Cups.

Clint Dempsey scored 34 seconds into the U.S.-Ghana match, the fastest ever scored by an American in the tournament and the sixth-fastest in World Cup history.

Jozy Altidore suffered a left hamstring injury when he tried to control a long ball in the 21st minute of the U.S.-Ghana match.

Salvador, Brazil

Jeff Mitchell- FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo, of Portugal yells at the referee during the Group G match against Germany.

Berlin, Germany

German fans gather in Berlin and celebrate as they watch Germany defeat Portugal 4-0 in their first match of the 2014 World Cup.

Salvador, Brazil

Pepe of Portugal headbutts Thomas Mueller of Germany, resulting in a red card during Portugal's 4-0 loss in a Group G match at Arena Fonte Nova on June 16.

Lisbon, Portugal

Patricia de Melo Moreira/AFP/Getty Images)

A distressed Portugal fan watches from Lisbon, as Portugal suffers a 4-0 loss against Germany.

Curitiba, Brazil

Goalkeeper, Alireza Haghighi of Iran makes diving save during the Group F match between Iran and Nigeria ending in a 0-0 draw.

Lagos State, Nigeria

Fans in Lagos State, Nigeria prepare for Nigeria’s first game of the tournament against Iran.

Curitiba, Brazil

Ashkan Dejagah of Iran and Ahmed Musa of Nigeria battle for the ball during the Group F match at Arena da Baixada.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Rio de Janeiro.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Argentinian football fans in Buenos Aires watch the match against Bosnia-Hercegovina on a giant screen at San Martin Square.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Lionel Messi of Argentina shoots and scores his team's second goal against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Maracana on June 15 in Rio de Janeiro.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Bosnia-Hercegovina's goalkeeper Asmir Begovic fails to stop Lionel Messi's goal during a Group F football match.

Port au Prince, Haiti

Haitians watch the match between Argentina and Bosnia-Hercegovina at Centre Kid in Christ Roi neighborhood, Port au Prince, on June 15.

Rio de Janiero, Brazil

A general view of the stadium during the match between Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Brasilia, Brazil

Switzerland's Haris Seferovic scores his side's winning goal past Ecuador's goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez in stoppage time during a 2-1 win on Sunday, June 15, at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil.It was the latest goal scored in a group stage game in World Cup history.

Brasilia, Brazil

An Ecuadorean fan sits in the stands following Ecuador's 2-1 loss to Switzerland on June 15.

Porto Alegre, Brazil

Karim Benzema of France shoots and scores his team's first goal on a penalty kick against Honduras at Estadio Beira-Rio on June 15. France won 3-0.

Paris, France

French fans gather on the barge ‘Kia Cabana’ in Paris to watch the match against Honduras

Porto Alegre, Brazil

Ryan Pierse - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Mathieu Debuchy (left) of France celebrates after a shot from Karim Benzema of France went in off Noel Valladares of Honduras to score an own goal against Honduras on June 15.

Paris, France

French fans celebrate the second goal of the match against Honduras, while watching the game in Paris Café, ‘La Divette De Montmatre.’

Fortaleza, Brazil

Joel Campbell of Costa Rica celebrates scoring his team's first goal with the ball under his jersey during the Group D 3-1 victory over 2010 semifinalist Uruguay.

San Jose, Costa Rica

Workers at a pizza store in San Jose, Costa Rica, celebrate their team's goal against Uruguay as they watch the World Cup.

Fortaleza, Brazil

Costa Rica's defender Oscar Duarte heads the ball past Uruguay's goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to score his team's second goal during a 3-1 win over Uruguay.

Montevideo, Uruguay

Fans in Montevideo, Uruguay, watch with disappointment the match against Costa Rica.

Manaus, Brazil

Italy's forward Mario Balotelli heads the ball to score the winning goal as England's defender Gary Cahill defends during Italy's 2-1 victory at the Amazonia Arena in Manau.

Manaus, Brazil

England's forward Wayne Rooney gestures after missing a shot on goal during a 2-1 loss to Italy at the Amazonia Arena in Manaus on June 14.

London, England

England football fans react in Riley's Sport's Bar in London as England fails to equalize against Italy in a 2-1 loss.

Rome, Italy

Soccer fans in Rome watch a giant screen in central Rome's Piazza Venezia as Italy defeats England 2-1.

Belo Horizonte, Brazil

James Rodriguez of Colombia (bottom) celebrates scoring his teams third goal against Greece with Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (top) and Juan Camilo Zuniga (middle) at Estadio Mineirao on June 14.

Bogota, Colombia

Colombia soccer fans in Bogota cheer during their team's 3-0 win over Greece on Saturday, June 14.

Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Greece's Panagiotis Kone reacts after missing a chance duringa 3-0 loss to Colombia.

Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Colombia fans enjoy the atmosphere prior to the Group C match between Colombia and Greece at Estadio Mineirao on June 14.

Recife, Brazil

Japan's Keisuke Honda, second from right, scores the opening goal during the group C World Cup soccer match between Ivory Coast and Japan at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Brazil, on June 14.

Recife, Brazil

Gervinho of the Ivory Coast (right) scores his team's second goal on a header past goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima of Japan.

Tokyo, Japan

The gathering of Japan's supporters in the Tokyo Dome express their disappointment during their team's 2-1 loss to the Ivory Coast.

Recife, Brazil

Ivory Coast fans cheer prior to their team's game against Japan.

Natal, Brazil

Mexico's Oribe Peralta follows up to score the only goal in Mexico's 1-0 victory over Cameroon in the Arena das Dunas in Natal on June 13.

Mexico City, Mexico

Soccer fans In Mexico City celebrate a goal by striker Oribe Peralta against Cameroon.

Mexico City, Mexico

People in Mexico City's main square, the Zocalo, watch the match between El Tri and Cameroon.

Natal, Brazil

Cameroon's Stephane Mbia (17) heads the ball past Mexico's Andres Guardado during the first half of the group A World Cup soccer match between Mexico and Cameroon.

Natal, Brazil

Mexico fans show their support prior to the Cameroon-Mexico game.

Natal, Brazil

The Mexico-Cameroon game was played in a steady rain.

Natal, Brazil

A Cameroon fan blows a horn in the rain during the match between Mexico and Cameroon.

Cuiaba, Brazil

Jean Beausejour of Chile shoots and scores his team's third goal against Australia at Arena Pantanal on June 13.

Santiago, Chile

Soccer fans cheer as they watch Chile's Jorge Valdivia score the second goal of the World Cup match between Chile and Australia, via a live broadcast on a giant screen in front of La Moneda presidential palace, in Santiago, Chile. Chile went on to defeat Australia 3-1 in the group B game at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, Brazil.

Jean Beausejour of Chile is congratulated by teammates after scoring his team's third goal against Australia at Arena Pantanal on June 13.

Melbourne, Australia

Nervous Australian fans watch the World Cup match against Chile at a bar on June 13 in Melbourne, Australia.

Salvador, Brazil

Spain's Xabi Alonso scores a penalty kick during the group B match between Spain and the Netherlands. It was the only goal his side scored in a 5-1 loss to the Dutch.

Havana, Cuba

Spain soccer fans celebrate a goal against the Netherlands as they watch the World Cup game at the Yara cinema in Havana, Cuba, Friday, June 13.

Salvador, Brazil

Netherlands' Robin van Persie heads the ball to score during a 5-1 win over Spain that matched the 2010 World Cup finalists against one another at the Arena Ponte Nova in Salvador, Brazil.

Salvador, Brazil

Another angle on the header by Robin van Persie.

Salvador, Brazil

Stefan de Vrij of the Netherlands (right) scores a goal against Spain at Arena Fonte Nova on June 13.

Salvador, Brazil

Fans of the Netherlands cheer during the Group B match between Spain and Netherlands at Arena Fonte Nova on June 13.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Brazil's Marcelo, right, scores an own goal to give Croatia a 1-0 lead.

Eastlake, Ohio

Children in Eastlake, Ohio, cheer for Croatia as they watch the match between Croatia and Brazil at the Croatia Cleveland Soccer Club Thursday, June 12.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Stipe Pletikosa of Croatia dives and fails to make a save on a shot by Neymar.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Brazil fans celebrate the first goal scored by Neymar.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Neymar scores his second goal, this one from the penalty spot.

Beirut, Lebanon

Fireworks are displayed over Lebanese soccer fans who have gathered to watch the first soccer match of the World Cup between Brazil and Croatia, at a fan park, in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday June 12, 2014.

Berlin, Germany

German soccer fans watch the opening game of the soccer World Cup 2014 while sitting on sofas in the 1.FC Union stadium in Berlin, Thursday, June 12, 2014.

Beijing, China

Chinese soccer fans watch the opening match of the 2014 World Cup between Brazil and Croatia, at a bar in Beijing, China.

Nairobi, Kenya

Kenyan soccer fans watch Brazil play Croatia in the World Cup opening match.

Belo Horizonte , Brazil

A police officer stands next to a destroyed police car during a violent demonstration at the 2014 World Cup in the center of Belo Horizonte , Brazil, on June 12, 2014. Protesters clashed with police at a rally against the World Cup, demanding better public services and protesting the money spent on the soccer tournament.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Singer Jennifer Lopez performs during the Opening Ceremony of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil at Arena de Sao Paulo on June 12.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Stuart Franklin - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte during the Opening Ceremony at Arena de Sao Paulo on June 12.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Jennifer Lopez, rapper Pitbull and singer Claudia Leitte perform during the Opening Ceremony at Arena de Sao Paulo on June 12.

Brasilia, Brazil

Ecuador fans hold their match tickets outside of the National Stadium, ahead of their opening game of the 2014 FIFA World Cup against Switzerland on June 12 in Brasilia, Brazil.

Belo Horizonte, Brazil

A fan bearing the resemblance of Ronaldinho is escorted off the field while talking to Lionel Messi of Argentina after an open training session on June 11 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

Belo Horizonte, Brazil

A security guard fails to stop a fan who invaded the pitch wearing an Argentine jersey, top, as Argentina's Lionel Messi, center, and other players look on at the end of a training session at Independencia Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on June 11.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

A masked man throws a stone towards riot policemen during a June 12 protest by people demanding better public services and against the money spent on the World Cup soccer tournament in Sao Paulo. Brazilian police clashed with anti-World Cup protesters trying to block part of the main highway leading to the stadium that hosts the opening match of the tournament.

Sao Paulo. Brazil

A masked protester returns a tear gas canister to riot police during a June 12 demonstration by people demanding better public services and against the money spent on the World Cup soccer tournament. Brazilian police clashed with anti-World Cup protesters trying to block part of the main highway leading to the stadium that hosts the opening match of the tournament.

Sao Paulo. Brazil

In this June 6, 2014, file photo, metro trains sit parked on the second day of a strike by the operators in Sao Paulo, Brazil. A possible subway strike in Sao Paulo during the tournament would cripple transportation in South America’s biggest city. Authorities are counting on most fans getting to Thursday’s match via the subway. Meanwhile, anti-World Cup protests were called for in at least six major cities, including Sao Paulo.

Vatican City

In this photo taken June 7, a soccer player performs in front of Pope Francis during an audience granted to the members of the Italian Sport Centers in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican. Pope Francis has a message for the World Cup: Let football be a showcase for teamwork and solidarity, not an exhibition of racism and greed. The Argentine-born, football-loving pope recorded a video message that will be broadcast on Brazilian television ahead of the Thursday, June 12, opening match between Brazil and Croatia.

Foz do Iguacu, Brazil

South Korea's national soccer team coach Hong Myung-bo, second from right, gives instructions to his players during a training session in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil, on June 11.

Kolkata, India

Indian supporters of Brazil in Kolkata, India, cheer for their team ahead of the inaugural match of the World Cup. Nearly half the world's population, well over 3 billion spectators, is expected to watch soccer's premier event.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Two Australian football fans show off their football style haircuts at Copacabana beach on June 11.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Clint Dempsey of the United States runs drills during a June 11 training session at Sao Paulo FC.

Fortaleza, Brazil

A local boy shows off his beach football skills on Magna Praia beach on June 11 in Fortaleza, Brazil.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

A man enters his house decorated in the colors of the Dutch soccer team in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on June 12. The Netherlands plays its first World Cup Group B match against Spain on Friday June 13.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

People walk under World Cup soccer decorations in the Kalverstraat in the center of Amsterdam, June 12. The Netherlands plays its first World Cup Group B match against Spain on Friday June 13.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

United States' Kyle Beckerman signs autographs following a training session at the Sao Paulo FC training center in Sao Paulo on June 11.

Campinas, Brazil

Portugal’s soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo walks down from a plane as they arrive at the Viracopos airport, in Campinas, Brazil, on June 11.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the 64th FIFA Congress at the Expocenter Transamerica on June 10 in Sao Paulo.

Tokyo, Japan

A shop attendant works amongst Japan World Cup team merchandise and FIFA World Cup 2014 merchandise at a football store on June 11 in Tokyo.

Tokyo, Japan

A woman walks past a shop window displaying a poster of Japanese football player Shinji Kagawa on June 11, 2014 in Tokyo.

Mangaratiba, Brazil

Italy's Andrea Pirlo practices shooting free kicks during a training session for the World Cup in Mangaratiba, Brazil, on June 11.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Colombia soccers fans chant slogans with their nation's flag outside Arena Corinthians stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil on June 11.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

A man poses for the picture with his son next to portraits of Brazilian soccer idols Neymar, right, Pele, center, and Garrincha, left, outside Arena Corinthians stadium in Sao Paulo on June 11.

Cameroon's forward Samuel Eto'o (front C) waves to fans during a training session with his team at the Kleber Andrade stadium in Vitoria on June 10, 2014, ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup football tournament.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Michael Bradley and Graham Zusi of the United States work out during their training session at Sao Paulo FC on June 10.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Players of Italy during a training session on June 10 in Rio de Janeiro.

Sao Paolo, Brazil

Brazilian military troops stand guard before the training session of Russia's national football team at Estadio Novelli Jr in Itu, close to Sao Paolo, on June 10.

Outskirs of Sao Paolo, Brazil

Supporters pose with a national flag as members of Russia's national football team take part in a training session at Estadio Novelli Junior in Itu on the outskirts of Sao Paulo on June 10.

Curitiba, Brazil

Spanish national team players attend a training session at the Atletico Paranaense training center in Curitiba, Brazil, on June 10.

This composite image shows a fan of each of the 32 national teams taking part in the 2014 World Cup.

Brasilia, Brazil

A view of the National Stadium complex in Brasilia, Brazil.

Sao Paolo, Brazil

A pedestrian passes a graffiti depicting human hands holding the earth with the Brazilian flag in Sao Paulo on June 10.

Brussels, Belgium

Belgian soccer players Vincent Kompany, center, Romelu Lukaku, top right, and Jan Vertonghen pose for a selfie prior to embarking the plane, departing from Brussels airport to Sao Paulo Brazil on June 10. Belgium will play against South Korea, Russia and Algeria in Group H.

Brussels, Belgium

A young soccer fan waves to the plane carrying the Belgian soccer team, departing from Brussels airport to Sao Paulo on June 10.

Fortaleza, Brazil

Laurence Griffiths - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

Brazilian fans enyoy the music as the sun sets during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Fan Fest Kick off Event on June 8, 2014 in Fortaleza, Brazil.

Fortaleza, Brazil

Former Brazilian footballer Ronaldo shows off the World Cup during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Fan Fest Kick off Event on June 8, 2014 in Fortaleza, Brazil.

Sorocaba, Brazil

Students of a Japanese school in Sao Paulo watch a training session of Japan in Sorocaba, Brazil, Sunday, June 8. Japan plays in Group C of the 2014 World Cup.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Samuel Etoío leaves the aircraft as Cameroon's national team arrives at the Galeao Air Base in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, June 9. Cameroon's World Cup team refused to board a plane due to take them to Brazil on Sunday because of a long-running dispute over bonus payments for the tournament, forcing their national federation to take out a loan to meet their demands.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Kyle Beckerman of the U.S. arrives at the team hotel in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Monday, June 9, 2014. The U.S. will play in Group G.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

United States' national soccer team player DeAndre Yedlin arrives at the Sao Paulo International airport in Brazil, Monday, June 9, 2014.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Police officers stand guard near the United States bus upon arrival at the team hotel in Sao Paulo on Monday, June 9.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

In this Friday, June 6, 2014 photo, subway train operators, along with some activists, clash with police at the Ana Rosa metro station on the second day of their metro strike in Sao Paulo. The workers clashed with police as they tried to block other operators from breaking the strike. Overland commuter train operators went on strike Thursday, putting at risk the only means that most soccer fans will have to reach Itaquerao stadium ahead of this week's World Cup.

Santo Andre, Brazil

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer makes a save during the German National team training session at Campo Bahia on June 9, 2014 in Santo Andre, Brazil.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

A general view of the Arena Corinthians Stadium during the match between Corinthians U20 v Corinthians U17 as part of the last technical test event on June 08, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Curitiba, Brazil

Spain players warm up during a training session at the Centro de Entrenamiento do Caju on June 9 in Curitiba, Brazil.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Roy Hodgson, manager of England, gives instructions to players during a training session at the Urca military base training ground on June 9, in Rio de Janeiro.

Urca military base, Brazil

An aerial view of England's national soccer team training session in progress at the Urca military base near Copacabana beach on Monday, June 9.

Ipanema Beach, Brazil

A young boy juggles a football on Ipanema Beach on Sunday, June 8, as the 2014 FIFA World Cup nears.

Seoul, South Korea

A diver wearing a South Korean soccer fan uniform performs with sardines during an event to promote the 2014 Brazil World Cup, at the COEX Aquarium in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, June 9, 2014. South Korea will face Russia, Belgium and Algeria in the 2014 Brazil World Cup. The writing on the banner reads " We hope for the success of the national soccer team."

Vitoria, Brazil

Socceroo players stretch during an Australian Socceroos training session at Arena Unimed Sicoob on June 9 in Vitoria, Brazil.

Jarrow, England

Employee Sean Mason hangs decorations and flags outside The Robin Hood public house in Jarrow, England, Monday, June 9, 2014 to create a display for World Cup 2014, which starts Thursday.

Mumbai, India

An Indian boy gets his head painted as part of a promotional event ahead of the soccer World Cup at a saloon in Mumbai, India, Monday, June 9, 2014. Soccer fans around the world are gearing up to watch the upcoming World Cup soccer tournament in Brazil.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Daniel Sturridge laughs as he is invited to dance during a visit to Complexo Esportivo da Rocinha on June 9 in Rio de Janeiro.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

In this June 6, 2014, photo, a referee uses vanishing spray during a referee's training session in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Referees will use vanishing spray during 2014 World Cup to stop defensive walls creeping forward at free-kicks. The international soccer tournament is set to begin in a few days, with Brazil and Croatia competing in the opening match on June 12.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

A sandcastle of Neymar of Brazil and Lionel Messi of Argentina on Copacabana beach on June 9 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Thailand

A Thai mahout guides his elephant to entertain school children during the break at a soccer match between men and elephants to celebrate the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil organized by Ayutthaya Elephant Camp in Ayutthaya province, central Thailand Monday, June 9, 2014.

Kolkata, India

Indian footballers carry cutout portraits of Brazilian soccer player Neymar (right) and Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi to a football club in Kolkata on June 9, 2014. Football fans in the eastern Indian city are gearing up for the upcoming Brazil FIFA World Cup 2014 and decorating their clubs with football-related paraphernalia.

Thailand

A Thai youth kicks the ball as five elephants block the goal during a soccer match between men and elephants on Monday, June 9, organized by Ayutthaya Elephant Camp to celebrate the World Cup soccer tournament.

Spain still had more possession than Chile, as it had had more possession than the Netherlands, but both opponents, but by using a 3-4-1-2 or 3-4-3 were able to flood the areas in which Spain likes to craft its triangles of approach, and by pressing high were able to take advantage of their attacking pace. It’s no coincidence that Chile unsettled Spain more than any other side in South Africa four years ago, but that was a brighter, more energized Spain that was able to respond.

Every doubt about Spain came to reality. After the opening game Pique and Xavi were discarded, and Casillas surely would have been had Spain’s two reserve keepers not been David De Gea, who is injured, and Pepe Reina, who has seemingly been brought because he’s good for the esprit de corps (and, true to type, was the last Spain player to disappear down the tunnel, having consoled each of his team-mates as they passed him).

Casillas was badly at fault for Chile’s second goal, batting Alexis Sanchez’s free kick straight to Charles Araguiz, who gratefully scooped in the rebound. He seemed a little flat-footed for the first as well, as Eduardo Vargas sidestepped him to round off a brilliant team goal. But it wasn’t just Casillas at fault. This was a leaden performance by Spain as a whole.

Diego Costa clumped his one chance into the side netting. Xabi Alonso, whose misplaced backpass began the move that led to Chile’s opener, had what must be his worst ever game in a Spain shirt. Pedro was ineffective. And when Spain needed inspiration from the bench, Del Bosque turned to Fernando Torres, who lolloped around mournfully and ineffectively as he has at Stamford Bridge for the past four years.

There were chances, as there had been against the Netherlands. Who knows how things might have turned out had David Silva converted that 1-on-1 to make it 2-0 in the first half in that game? On Wednesday, Sergio Busquets shinned a sitter wide, and Claudio Bravo, the Chile keeper, made a fine save from Santi Cazorla.

With six minutes remaining there was even an arching shot from Andres Iniesta, one of the few Spanish players almost exempt from blame, that recalled his late winner for Barcelona against Chelsea in the 2009 Champions League semifinal. Perhaps, if that had gone in, there would have been an improbable late redemption, but Bravo, diving up and to his left clawed the ball away.

Spain was out and an era had ended.

Published Jun 18, 2014

JONATHAN WILSON

An accomplished author of multiple books, Jonathan Wilson is one of the world’s preeminent minds on soccer tactics and history.