The 2010 World Cup winner Spain was eliminated from the World Cup on Thursday (AEST) when its 2-0 Group B defeat by Chile brought an end to one of the greatest dynasties of the modern game.
On the day when Spain’s King Carlos also signed his abdication papers, Spain’s footballers left their throne as goals from Eduardo Vargas after 20 minutes and
Charles Aranguiz two minutes before half-time earned Chile a stunning victory.
Chile advanced to the last 16 along with the Netherlands, while Australia was eliminated alongside Spain after its 3-2 loss to the Netherlands.
“We cannot complain we did not deserve to go out, they were better than us,” Spain coach Vicente del Bosque told Spanish TV.
“The team showed character, we pressed forward but we had little luck in front of goal.
“We were certainly inferior to our rivals here at the finals. It is not the moment to think about the future. Little by little we will make the necessary assessments.”
The Dutch, who beat Spain 5-1, and Chile each have six points and they play each other in Sao Paulo next Monday. Spain will face the Socceroos in Curitiba, bidding to avoid finishing at the bottom.
Spain became the third champion in the last four World Cups to be eliminated at the first hurdle and its departure will almost certainly end the long international careers of the ageing greats who won the 2008 European Championship and its first World Cup in South Africa four years ago.
Source: Reuters
