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World Cup group stage

Spain 0 - Chile 2

Spain are out of the World Cup! A second defeat in a row, this time against Chile, has left the defending champions out of the competition before most teams had even played their second match! Despite the 5-1 thrashing by Holland, Del Bosque decided to only make two changes to the line-up, drafting in Javi Martínez and Pedro for Piqué and Xavi. It was more of the same though, Vargas and Jara both going close in the first two minutes, and Vargas opening the scoring some twenty minutes later after Xabi Alonso gave the ball away in midfield. Alonso had tested Bravo earlier on, and Diego Costa fired a shot in to the side netting, but with a minute to go to half time Aránguiz scored Chile’s second after Casillas could only punch an Alexis free kick straight to him. After the restart Busquets missed the easiest of chances, and Bravo had to be at his best to keep out Cazorla and Iniesta later on, but Isla could also have increased the South Americans’ lead had he not shot over the top when free on goal. Spain’s rule had come to an ignominious end, and Del Bosque (or maybe somebody else if he decides to go?) will have to pick up the pieces and start all over again next Autumn. (18.06.14)