Spain pass out under Chile pressure

Spain were pushed back into their own half once again, as the direct ball was ignored and intricate passing on a poor playing field resumed. Despite being three minutes into stoppage time, La Roja tried to persevere with the same playing style which saw them perform so well over the past six years. Yet in Brazil patient possession has seen Vicente Del Bosque’s men fall short.

In Chile, Spain met an adversary which has proven to be more than well-armed under Jorge Sampaoli. In a stadium packed with passionate Chilean fans, resulting in a rousing rendition of their national anthem, the stage was perfectly set for a famous victory for the South American side.

Intense pressing, fluidity and commitment to the zealous Sampaoli’s cause combined to make Chile a tough nut to crack. Closing up space and giving Spain little time on the ball resulted in the likes of Xabi Alonso and Andres Iniesta looking uncharacteristically uncomfortable and rushed in possession.

Diego Costa struggled to lead the line once again, while Sergio Busquets summed up Spain’s woes with a wayward shot under no pressure from six yards out in the second half. Mistakes were plentiful, while Iker Casillas personified the intense pressure and low confidence suffered by La Roja with some half-hearted punches and unconvincing stops.

Ahead of the World Cup in Brazil, Spain’s defensive record was exemplary, while games they participated in carried a constant inevitability of Del Bosque’s star-studded XI finding the back of the net. Such feeling has dissipated in surprising fashion, as La Roja confirmed their exit from Brazil with one goal from two matches to their name.

Changes were called for, with two made. Gerard Pique, sluggish and ruthlessly exposed versus the Netherlands, was usurped by Bayern Munich defender-cum-midfielder Javi Martinez, while Pedro earned a starting berth after showing glimpses of quality when previously featuring as a substitute. Koke was utilised as first change, with experienced maestro Xavi Hernandez left entirely out of Del Bosque’s matchday plans.

While Spain’s shock exit at the hands of an inspiring Chile side may signal the end of a footballing era, Del Bosque’s willingness to drop Xavi at least demonstrates that the former Real Madrid Coach isn’t afraid of transition. The 34-year-old is a symbol for tiki-taka football, but his exclusion demonstrates that Spain just might be prepared to evolve, or attempt to find a penetrative Plan B.

Despite being eliminated at the hands of a side tipped by many to shock at this World Cup, Spain still have plenty to do before jetting back home. Against Australia it should be possible to deduce Del Bosque’s thoughts. If he sanctions the use of younger, inexperienced options or a different system, it would suggest the Spain Coach is contemplating a move towards a new approach.

As Xavi considers leaving Barcelona and potentially retiring from international football in the near future, it may be fitting that the veteran playmaker withdraws from the pinnacle of the game at the same time the philosophy which served himself and the collective so fruitfully does likewise.

Defeat to Chile and early elimination from the World Cup may not signal the end of an era, but Spain’s next match against Australia will certainly shed some light on the direction in which Del Bosque is steering an apparently sinking ship.

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