World Cup Winners' Curse Befall Spain as they Crash Out after Chile Capitulation

Comedy of Error: He may be one of the world's best goalkeepers but the 2014 World Cup
just wasn't made for San Iker Casillas

There will be a new FIFA World Cup winner this year after defending champions Spain were eliminated after suffering a crushing defeat to a dynamic Chile side.

Having been on the wrong end of a 6-goal match where they lost 5-1 to Netherlands in the opening match, the Iberian nation needed to beat Chile to give them any chance of progressing to the group stages. Coach Vicente Del Bosque made changes including dropping playmaker Xavi Hernandez and defender Gerard Pique all in attempt to get the crucial points against the South Americans but even that level of bravery yielded no dividends.

The World and Europeans champions were given a glimpse of what to expect for the rest of the evening from the off with Eduardo Vagas and Gonzalo Jara coming close in the first three minutes of the game.

The warning must have worked as Spain got themselves into the game with Xabi Alonso coming close. However, Del Bosque’s men would find themselves chasing the game with 20 minutes on the clock after Vargas finished a well-worked move that involved Alexis Sanchez and Charles Aranguiz. 

Diego Costa came close to leveling the matters but it was the South Americans who doubled their lead after Iker Casillas punched Alexis Sanchez’s freekick into the crowded penalty area with Arangauiz pouncing before drilling in the second for Chile to make it 2-0 before the breather.

The Spaniards prodded for a goal in the second half but could not breach La Roja’s tight backline. The defeat saw Spain crush out in disbelief and with the unwanted record of being the first defending champions to lose their opening two World Cup matches.

The vibrant South Americans however became the second team to book their slot into the knockout stages alongside their Group ‘B’ opponents Netherlands who had a nerve-racking game as they had to come back to see off a stubborn Australia. 

Australia, considered by many as the worst team to make it into this year’s finals gave a good account of themselves. After falling behind to an Arjen Robben goal in the 20th minute, Tim Cahill thundered in a volley to level matters before almost immediately. Mile Jedinak gave the Socceroos the lead through a 54th minute penalty only for Robin van Persie to restore parity four minutes later.

Memphis Depay came on as a substitute and grabbed the winner for the Oranje who matched to the round of 16. The clash between Chile and Netherlands will determine who finishes at the top.

Meanwhile Croatia beat Cameroon 4-0 to set themselves up for a gallant battle with Mexico in the last Group ‘A’ game. Mario Mandzukic netted twice to add to Ivica Olic first half goal with Ivan Perisic also on target as the Croats eliminated the West Africans from the competition.

And That's thesteifmastertake!!