0' Nearly set now as the world watches how the reigning champions will react to their 5-1 drubbing to open the tournament. Spain uncharacteristically on the wrong side of the score sheet, with Casillas looking nothing like his former self, and they are in nothing less than a must-win situation. Chile already on three points, looking to steal a point here against Spain, which would put them in good position to escape the group. Australia exposing holes in Chile's defense in the opener, and you have to think that Spain will only further expose them. Should be a good match. Joga Bonito!
1' Oh my its nearly a goal for Chile, as Vidal has some dangerous possession in the box, and a deflection nearly finds its way past Casillas. Off the corner, a header off a deflection sails just wide of the post, and what a nightmare start that would have been. Spain still looking nervous, and they'll need to settle their nerves and quickly, as Chile have come out very strong on the attack.
15' Spain settling down some, nearly putting in a goal from point black range, but the keeper does well to get in front of the ball. Tense moments, but Spain have taken charge of the match and are attacking strongly. They seem very anxious to get up a goal, and are playing a lot more up tempo than usual.
20' Well the nightmare continues for Spain, as Chile goes up 1-0. Spain giving away possession in midfield ending in a beautiful through pass into the box which is touched onto Vargas who brings it around Casillas and sends it home before Sergio Ramos can come in to defend. Spain in real trouble now.
35' Chile doing well to keep Spain from retaining possession for long stretches, and Spain unable to get on track thus far. You have to wonder what kind of half time talk Del Bosque will have for his side if they can't find an equalizer before the half.
43' A free kick for Chile gets punched by Casillas right to a Chilean striker who sends it back and past Casillas this time. Another poor decision by Casillas, but its 2-0 Chile, and Spain need to dig deep and find resolve at the half, and who one can hardly believe it. And a normally quiet and calm del Bosque is up and about on the bench with clear agitation and frustration on his face.
48' Diego Costa with a chance to give Spain a goal on a beautiful ball in from Iniesta, and he takes one too many touches. What a wasted opportunity, and Spain coming out strong but still looking rattled and unnerved, something they're certainly not used to.
53' Another brilliant opportunity for Spain, a free kick gets deflected, and a bicycle kick sends it back in to an open Busquets, who somehow is unable to find goal. What a chance that, and Spain need to start converting these chances.
68' Oh my nearly a third for Chile on the counter attack as Vidal connects with a cross and he's in on goal, but sends it sailing over the cross bar. Spain playing with real urgency, but still lacking that little magic touch we're so used to seeing them with. Chile simply killing time, feigning injuries and taking their time with possession, doing anything to try to slow Spain down.
75' Chilean players taking to ground with any excuse they can find, even if its tripping over themselves. Never like to see that. Spain looking completely exasperated and simply out of ideas. Still time though, and we've seen plenty of examples of quick succession of goals in this tournament. Chile defending well though, and they deserve a lot of credit.
80' Cazorla fresh off the bench gets a good shot in for spain, and the keeper gets a hand to it pushing it wide. And no one is having discussions whether this Spain team is the best ever, instead talking about the end of an era. The Chilean keeper killing time by staying on the ground, untouched by a spanish player, and he's able to kill two minutes this way. You hate to see any team go out because of this kind of unsportsmanlike time wasting.
91' A great opportunity for Sergio Ramos off a corner but its blocked out. Spain still searching for answers, and its bewilderment thats on the faces of everyone rooting for Spain.
Final' Well who can believe it but Spain are out of the tournament with one match day still unplayed. Chile converting their opportunities, and Spain left with no magic. Uncharacteristically giving up possession, and with more mistakes in goal and by defense, unable to finish any opportunities, and when things go wrong everything goes wrong. Everyone spanish looking around trying to figure out what happened, when everything looked so promising just one week ago. Chile and the Dutch are through, and will play it out for the rights to avoid Brasil in the next round. Clearly a generation is over, and a magnificent spell at the top of the world comes for a Spanish team that dominated everyone for the past 5-6 years. There are few teams that get remembered, the Magnificent Magyars of the 50's, the Dutch in the 70's and their total football, and now Spain, but their time is now over, and one can only be left with joy of having seen something special these last few years and with excitement for a new wave and new style of football to come. Viva Espana, and Joga Bonito por sempre.
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