Spain’s reign ended by red-hot Chile

WORLD CUP GROUP B:

Hard to believe, I know, but it’s true: Spain are out of the World Cup 2014 running after just two games. Having lost twice, conceded seven goals and scored just the one, the serial champions of the global game have been exposed as being well past their sell-by date after so many years of lording it on the top shelf. One measure of their decline? This was the night when the back to back kings lost back to back matches for the first time in eight years.

Last night’s visit to that cathedral of the beautiful game, the Maracana, was Spain’s first and will also now be their last of this tournament. Despite what many had predicted, they will not be returning here on July 13 to defend their title. More to the point, one is bound to wonder how long it will be before we see their likes again.