19 Jun 2014

Spain eliminated from World Cup

6:01 pm on 19 June 2014

Holders Spain have been eliminated from making the playoffs at the football World Cup after their 2-0 group B loss to Chile brought an end to one of the greatest dynasties of the modern game.

On the day when Spain's King Carlos also signed his abdication papers, Spain's footballers left their throne as goals from Eduardo Vargas after 20 minutes and Charles Aranguiz two minutes before half-time earned Chile a stunning victory.

Spain's defeat was the first time a reigning champion's lost both their opening games.

Chile advance to the last 16 along with the Netherlands and Australia go out with Spain, after the Socceroos lost 3-2 to the Dutch.

The Dutch, who beat Spain 5-1, and Chile each have six points and they play each other in Sao Paulo next week. The winner of that match is likely to avoid Brazil in the next round.

Spain face Australia in Curitiba bidding to avoid finishing bottom.

Spain became the third champions in the last four World Cups to be eliminated at the first hurdle and their departure will almost certainly end the long international careers of the ageing greats who won the 2008 European Championship and their first World Cup in South Africa four years ago.

Coach Vicente del Bosque is also unlikely to keep his job.

Chile, who had never beaten Spain in 10 previous meetings, looked sharp, composed and confident from the start and even faster and more fluid in the second half.