World Cup: Spain 0-2 Chile – End Of An Era As Champions Dumped Out By Chile (Photos & Highlights)

Alan Duffy

18th, June 2014

3 Comments

By Alan Duffy

Spain 0-2 Chile – World Cup Group B – 18th June 2014

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Chile’s deserved 2-0 win over regning champions Spain may well have signalled an end to the era of Spanish domination in world football with the Spaniards now out of World Cup 2014. Throughout the game, it was the South Americans who looked sharper and hungrier with their opponents looking heavy-legged and lost for ideas.

Napoli attacker Eduardo Vargas opened the scoring on 19 minutes, finishing off a fine passing move from the Chileans who pressed and attacked the Spanish throughout the game. Just before half-time, a weak punch from Iker Casillas allowed Charles Aranguiz to toe-poke home Chile’s second leaving the world and European champions shell-shocked.

The second-half introduction of Koke failed to make too much of a difference, although Sergio Busquets missed a great chance to get a goal back. Diego Costa also wasted a good opportunity, with the Premier League-bound hitman looking far from fully fit.

Ultimately, Chile were deserving winners and could well go a long way in the competition. As for Spain, there are enough gifted young players coming through the ranks to suggest that their fall from grace may not be as heavy as this World Cup has suggested it might be.

Photos…

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Highlights…

Photos: PA

Posted in International football, Newsnow, Photos, Videos, World Cup

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3 Comments

  1. Ricardo says:

    Although Napoli owns him, Vargas has been on loan at Valencia this past year … Vamos Chile!!!

  2. JuanosDios says:

    Thing is, they could have still had a real chance by dropping these guys that are no longer competitive at the international level. They have that much talent to choose from. These Barcelona and Madrid guys have played a TON of games these last few years. It’s amazing del Bosque couldn’t see it coming. Even Pique is worn out, and he’s what, 28? The older guys are wasted, physically and mentally. Try this: deGea, Alba, Albiol, Spanish CB, Dani Carvajal, Martinez, Busquets, Mata, Cesc, Koke, Llorente. that lineup needs a little work and it’s still pretty damn formidable.

  3. ajb says:

    Didn’t ‘Spanish CB’ tear his hamstring?

    But I agree, a 2nd team Spanish 11 like that would have as much skill as any team in the group and would probably have played with more energy and hunger than that squad did.. Ni modo.

Leave a Reply to ajb