Spain's reign ends as Chile prove too hot to handle

2014-06-19 06:43

By (Agencies)

Spain's reign ends as Chile prove too hot to handle

Chile's Mauricio Isla, Eduardo Vargas, Arturo Vidal and Gonzalo Jara (L-R) celebrate after their first goal during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match against Spain at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro June 18, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

Sharp and composed

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

With more composure in front of goal following a series of rapid-fire counter-attacks, they could easily have scored more, confirming the suspicion first raised at the Maracana a year ago when Brazil crushed Spain 3-0 in the Confederations Cup final.

At the time that seemed a possible dress rehearsal for the World Cup final, but Spain never hinted they could win this match let alone the tournament on a night that belonged to Chile, a former colony of the Spanish crown.

The Chileans swept into the lead after 20 minutes following a counter-attack on the right which set up Aranguiz to provide the cross for Vargas who danced around Casillas before firing home.

Casillas, who had a poor game against the Dutch, was at fault again for the second goal, punching an Alexis Sanchez free kick straight back to Aranguiz who swept the ball past Casillas with a spinning shot with the outside of his right foot.

Spain had their chances, notably through Sergio Ramos and Jordi Alba late in the game, but never remotely looked like saving the match.