An important game in waiting for Spain as they took on Chile knowing that if they lost, they would be exiting the World Cup.
An electric start to the game gave us an indication into how this game would be pan out. Spain were hoping to put on a performance that erased the memories from their opening game against Holland whereas Chile were brimming with confidence after their first game. It was Chile who opened the scoring this evening with a goal at the end of a slick passing movement. A hot knife through butter springs to mind. Spain found it difficult to break down Chile's defence and they looked one dimensional. Espanyol were dealt a psychological blow as Chile scored right before half time. A free kick, palmed away, fell kindly to Aranguiz to toe poke back at goal catching Casillas off guard.
Facing the prospect of an early flight home, Spain had to go full steam at Chile to have any chance of staying in Brazil. They passed the ball quicker, slicker, but just could not find a way through. Having seen some spectacular goals this tournament we may have seen the miss of the World Cup. An over-head kick from Costa across goal fell to Busquets who was left with the simple task of tapping the ball in. Right? Wrong. He shinned it wide. And in that moment, it kind of summed up Spain's tournament. Chile had their own chances to kill of the game but that lack of quality and composure just kept Spain's hopes alive. Unfortunately for Spain, their super sub Torres couldn't inspire them as they continued to look like a team fresh out if ideas.
Defending champions OUT of the World Cup.
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