The biggest shock of the 2014 FIFA World Cup has come and like in 2010, the holders of the cup have been knocked out.
Reigning champs Spain were booted out last night in emphatic fashion by a resurgent Chile side who also put Vicente Del Bosque’s job on the line as he risks facing the chop after the tournament.
Spain have been the dominant world football powerhouse for the past six years having secured back to back Euro championships in addition to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Their renowned tiki taka passing game hit a brick hall against a well disciplined Chilean outfit.
Reigning champs Spain were booted out last night in emphatic fashion by a resurgent Chile side who also put Vicente Del Bosque’s job on the line as he risks facing the chop after the tournament.
Spain have been the dominant world football powerhouse for the past six years having secured back to back Euro championships in addition to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Their renowned tiki taka passing game hit a brick hall against a well disciplined Chilean outfit.
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Eduardo Vargas tricked goalkeeper Iker Casillas into diving the wrong way, then shot into an unguarded goal in the 20th minute. Charles Araguiz scored in the 43rd when the ball landed at his feet after Casillas punched out a free kick.
Spain’s second loss, after a 5-1 rout by the Netherlands, ended any hope of advancing.
Also in Group B, Australia also suffered their second and was subsequently eliminated from the competition. On the day they fought like brave warriors having shockingly led 2-1 in the second, the Aussies were eventually overpowered by an Arjen Robben inspired Netherlands side 2-3.
Meanwhile, Africa’s hopes of making an impact at this year’s tournament hit a stone wall after Cameroon were embarrassingly eliminated after a virtually one sided encounter in Manaus.
Croatia took an early lead through Ivica Olic, but it remained a tight contest until Alex Song lost his cool and inexplicably lashed out at Mario Mandzukic late in the first half, punching him from behind as they ran up the field.
Spain’s second loss, after a 5-1 rout by the Netherlands, ended any hope of advancing.
Also in Group B, Australia also suffered their second and was subsequently eliminated from the competition. On the day they fought like brave warriors having shockingly led 2-1 in the second, the Aussies were eventually overpowered by an Arjen Robben inspired Netherlands side 2-3.
Meanwhile, Africa’s hopes of making an impact at this year’s tournament hit a stone wall after Cameroon were embarrassingly eliminated after a virtually one sided encounter in Manaus.
Croatia took an early lead through Ivica Olic, but it remained a tight contest until Alex Song lost his cool and inexplicably lashed out at Mario Mandzukic late in the first half, punching him from behind as they ran up the field.
By: Farai Diza
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