Spain's dominance of global football was brought to a crushing end as they were knocked out of the World Cup by a hugely impressive Chile. The holders were knocked out of the World Cup as the Chilian side which played with pace, movement and considerable finesse consigned them to a second straight defeat in Group B. Spain become only the fifth ever holders to be eliminated in the first round of the subsequent competition and the first since France in 2002 to do so after only two matches. The defending champions were aiming to become the first nation to retain the title since Brazil in 1962 but, after losing their opening match 5-1 to the Netherlands, they surrendered their crown in a cauldron of noise in a rocking Maracana. Eduardo Vargas finished off a flowing four-man Chile move by poking in a shot to give his side an early lead. A mistake from Spain keeper Iker Casillas (who chose to punch the ball when he should have caught it) allowed Charles Aranguiz to smartly finish for Chile's second. Diego Costa had a shot blocked when played through on goal and Sergio Busquets side-footed wide from five yards as Spain failed to recoverand went out tamely. It was Chile's first competitive victory over Spain in eleven matches - and just reward for a counter-attacking masterclass. 
Questions will inevitably be asked about the international futures of the Spanish coach Vicente Del Bosque and several of his most trusted players, such as Casillas and midfielders Xavi and Xabi Alonso. There was little sign of shock as the full-time whistle sounded; more despondency and resignation. Chile celebrated, but not wildly; they thoroughly deserved their victory and will not want to stop here.
Spain must now contest a dead rubber game against Australia on 23 June, while Chile and Netherlands meet in an encounter that will determine who finishes top of Group B with the loser facing a potential second round game against Germany. Chile were tipped by many to do well in the competition, the way they recently gave England a footballing lesson at Wembley impressed many. But few would have predicted that they would administer the fatal blow to Spain and one of the game's most glittering eras. Their fans arrived in huge numbers and helped generate an incredibly noisy pre-match atmosphere, although a group of them storming the media centre before kick-off provided a sour preamble. Chile seemed to enjoy far greater representation inside the ground and the noise levels rocketed as Jorge Sampaoli's team made an encouraging start - Alonso forced into a vital goalmouth clearance before Gonzalo Jara headed narrowly wide. Spain were narrow victors when the sides met at the 2010 World Cup, and again in a friendly the following year, but needed a last-minute equaliser to snatch a draw last September. Chile have been dubbed by some the 'Spain of South America' - a reference to the Spaniards in peak form - and their pace, power , movement off the ball and pressing is a joy to behold. They opened the scoring in style after Alonso carelessly under-hit a pass, allowing the Chilian playmaker Alexis Sanchez to begin a scintillating four-man move which ended with Aranguiz squaring for Vargas to round Casillas and slot home. Spain responded positively, and predictably enjoyed plenty of possession, but Alonso shot way over the bar and Diego Costa fired wide. Del Bosque made a massive call by relegating Xavi to the substitutes' bench, moving David Silva into his attacking midfield position and using the younger, quicker Pedro on the right. But, if anything, Spain looked worse without a man who, while enduring a poor campaign and struggling in Friday's thrashing by the Netherlands, has for so long been La Roja's outfield leader, the symbol of their philosophy and one of the best players in the world. The dropping of centre-back Gerard Pique was less of a surprise but, similarly, did not benefit Spain and their defence looked no more assured or unified with Javi Martinez partnering Sergio Ramos. They needed to get to half-time without conceding again, but even that proved beyond the European champions as Casillas palmed a Sanchez free-kick straight to Aranguiz, whose control and finish with the outside of his foot was of the highest order. Spain finally rallied after the break, Andres Iniesta sending Costa clean through - but Mauricio Isla arrived from right-back with a perfectly-timed challenge. Sergio Busquets then missed an open goal from five yards following Costa's overhead kick. Isla should have extended Chile's lead only to sky a shot from close range, while at the other end Iniesta and substitute Santi Cazorla were twice denied by Claudio Bravo as Spain bowed out.
Earlier, the Netherlands had already moved to the brink of securing a place in the last sixteen as Memphis Depay gave them victory over Australia. Arjen Robben angled in a shot to put the Dutch ahead, but Tim Cahill soon equalised with a quite stunning volley. Mile Jedinak slotted in a penalty for Australia before Robin van Persie lashed home to level it at 2-2. Mathew Leckie then missed a golden chance for the Socceroos and, almost immediately, Depay sent in a twenty five-yard shot for the winner. Netherlands demolished holders Spain in their opening game and, though they came nowhere near those heights, they had enough to overcome a bold and energetic Australia at the imposing Estadio Beira-Rio in Port Alegre. Having lost to Chile in their first match, Australia's hopes of reaching the next round appeared even before the match against the Dutch to be slim, but their youthful side certainly gave the Netherlands one hell of a scare. Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou said before the game that his side intended to attack - and they were true to his words in the opening exchanges. But a flash of quality from Robben saw the Netherlands take the lead against the run of play.
The Bayern München forward feinted his way past Alex Wilkinson on the halfway line, raced towards the Australia goal and drove in an angled shot for his third goal of the tournament. The Socceroos responded immediately with one of the goals of the competition so far, Cahill meeting an angled ball from the right with a powerful left-foot volley which crashed in off the underside of the crossbar. Had midfielder Mark Bresciano and defender Matthew Spiranovic shown the same poise, Australia could have taken the lead earlier than they did. Bresciano ran onto a low Leckie cross only to shoot over from just inside the area, while Spiranovic got away from his marker at a free-kick but side-footed an eight-yard shot straight at keeper Jasper Cillessen. Cahill and Van Persie were both ruled out of their teams' final group games after being shown their second yellow cards of the tournament, either side of Leckie having a goal disallowed after he was adjudged to have fouled Daley Blind. But Australia continued to press, and went in front when an Oliver Bozanic cross struck the hand of Daryl Janmaat and Jedinak slotted home from the spot. The lead did not last long, though, as Van Persie netted his eleventh goal in ten internationals, controlling the ball before turning and firing into the roof of the net. Australia again opened up the Dutch and Tommy Oar crossed for Leckie, who chested rather than headed the ball straight at Cillessen. But it was Depay who decided the outcome of the game, the twenty-year-old PSV Eindhoven winger curling a shot beyond the reach of Mat Ryan to give Netherlands their first victory in four games against Australia.
Cameroon failed to progress beyond the World Cup group stage once again as they slumped to a heavy defeat against Croatia. The African side fell behind in the eleventh minute as Ivica Olic fired home, and were reduced to ten men after Alex Song lashed out at Mario Mandzukic. Ivan Perisic made it 2-0 when he punished goalkeeper Charles Itanje's poor clearance, before Mandzukic headed home Croatia's third. Mandzukic added his second, tapping in after Eduardo's shot was parried. Niko Kovac's side now face Mexico in their final Group A game knowing victory would assure them of a place in the last sixteen for the first time in four attempts. But Cameroon - who played less like The Indomitable Lions and more like The Terrified Kittens - have failed to reach the second round for their fifth successive World Cup. They looked rudderless without injured captain Samuel Eto'o, and their task became more difficult when Song lost his cool five minutes before the break.
The Barcelona midfielder inexplicably lashed out at Mandzukic's back as he tracked the Croatia striker, and referee Pedro Proenca had no hesitation in showing him a red card. Cameroon were already a goal down, with Olic having tapped in after a lovely pass from the impressive Perisic. Wolfsburg midfielder Perisic, who has been linked with Everton, then went close with a header before he doubled Croatia's advantage with a excellent run and finish after Itanje found him with a poor kick. Mandzukic, who was suspended for Croatia's opening game, then showed his aerial prowess by netting a powerful header following Danijel Pranjic's corner. And the Bayern München striker completed the rout with an easy tap-in after the nervy Itanje could only push substitute Eduardo's tame shot into his path. Cameroon's best attempt came in the dying seconds, when substitute Pierre Webo's overhead kick forced Stipe Pletikosa to save brilliantly. There was still time for the four-time African champions' full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto to thrust his head at team-mate Benjamin Moukandjo during an argument in stoppage time. Cameroon still have to face hosts Brazil, and will have to improve markedly in both performance and discipline if they are to avoid another embarrassment.
FIFA has, reportedly, started disciplinary proceedings against Mexico after claims of racism by their fans during their World Cup match against Cameroon last Friday. In a statement FIFA said that the inquiry was launched after what they called 'improper conduct' by Mexican fans. Tough new rules to stop such offences were introduced by FIFA last year. A first racism offence by fans or players can be punished by having to play a game behind closed doors - subsequent or more serious offences can be punished by deducting points, relegation or expulsion from a competition. Leading Fifa executives have repeatedly stated that financial sanctions have no deterrent effect. FIFA is also believed to be looking into reports of allegedly 'homophobic chanting' by Brazil's supporters and anti-Semitic and racist banners displayed by followers of Croatia and Russia.
Questions will inevitably be asked about the international futures of the Spanish coach Vicente Del Bosque and several of his most trusted players, such as Casillas and midfielders Xavi and Xabi Alonso. There was little sign of shock as the full-time whistle sounded; more despondency and resignation. Chile celebrated, but not wildly; they thoroughly deserved their victory and will not want to stop here.
Spain must now contest a dead rubber game against Australia on 23 June, while Chile and Netherlands meet in an encounter that will determine who finishes top of Group B with the loser facing a potential second round game against Germany. Chile were tipped by many to do well in the competition, the way they recently gave England a footballing lesson at Wembley impressed many. But few would have predicted that they would administer the fatal blow to Spain and one of the game's most glittering eras. Their fans arrived in huge numbers and helped generate an incredibly noisy pre-match atmosphere, although a group of them storming the media centre before kick-off provided a sour preamble. Chile seemed to enjoy far greater representation inside the ground and the noise levels rocketed as Jorge Sampaoli's team made an encouraging start - Alonso forced into a vital goalmouth clearance before Gonzalo Jara headed narrowly wide. Spain were narrow victors when the sides met at the 2010 World Cup, and again in a friendly the following year, but needed a last-minute equaliser to snatch a draw last September. Chile have been dubbed by some the 'Spain of South America' - a reference to the Spaniards in peak form - and their pace, power , movement off the ball and pressing is a joy to behold. They opened the scoring in style after Alonso carelessly under-hit a pass, allowing the Chilian playmaker Alexis Sanchez to begin a scintillating four-man move which ended with Aranguiz squaring for Vargas to round Casillas and slot home. Spain responded positively, and predictably enjoyed plenty of possession, but Alonso shot way over the bar and Diego Costa fired wide. Del Bosque made a massive call by relegating Xavi to the substitutes' bench, moving David Silva into his attacking midfield position and using the younger, quicker Pedro on the right. But, if anything, Spain looked worse without a man who, while enduring a poor campaign and struggling in Friday's thrashing by the Netherlands, has for so long been La Roja's outfield leader, the symbol of their philosophy and one of the best players in the world. The dropping of centre-back Gerard Pique was less of a surprise but, similarly, did not benefit Spain and their defence looked no more assured or unified with Javi Martinez partnering Sergio Ramos. They needed to get to half-time without conceding again, but even that proved beyond the European champions as Casillas palmed a Sanchez free-kick straight to Aranguiz, whose control and finish with the outside of his foot was of the highest order. Spain finally rallied after the break, Andres Iniesta sending Costa clean through - but Mauricio Isla arrived from right-back with a perfectly-timed challenge. Sergio Busquets then missed an open goal from five yards following Costa's overhead kick. Isla should have extended Chile's lead only to sky a shot from close range, while at the other end Iniesta and substitute Santi Cazorla were twice denied by Claudio Bravo as Spain bowed out. Earlier, the Netherlands had already moved to the brink of securing a place in the last sixteen as Memphis Depay gave them victory over Australia. Arjen Robben angled in a shot to put the Dutch ahead, but Tim Cahill soon equalised with a quite stunning volley. Mile Jedinak slotted in a penalty for Australia before Robin van Persie lashed home to level it at 2-2. Mathew Leckie then missed a golden chance for the Socceroos and, almost immediately, Depay sent in a twenty five-yard shot for the winner. Netherlands demolished holders Spain in their opening game and, though they came nowhere near those heights, they had enough to overcome a bold and energetic Australia at the imposing Estadio Beira-Rio in Port Alegre. Having lost to Chile in their first match, Australia's hopes of reaching the next round appeared even before the match against the Dutch to be slim, but their youthful side certainly gave the Netherlands one hell of a scare. Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou said before the game that his side intended to attack - and they were true to his words in the opening exchanges. But a flash of quality from Robben saw the Netherlands take the lead against the run of play.
The Bayern München forward feinted his way past Alex Wilkinson on the halfway line, raced towards the Australia goal and drove in an angled shot for his third goal of the tournament. The Socceroos responded immediately with one of the goals of the competition so far, Cahill meeting an angled ball from the right with a powerful left-foot volley which crashed in off the underside of the crossbar. Had midfielder Mark Bresciano and defender Matthew Spiranovic shown the same poise, Australia could have taken the lead earlier than they did. Bresciano ran onto a low Leckie cross only to shoot over from just inside the area, while Spiranovic got away from his marker at a free-kick but side-footed an eight-yard shot straight at keeper Jasper Cillessen. Cahill and Van Persie were both ruled out of their teams' final group games after being shown their second yellow cards of the tournament, either side of Leckie having a goal disallowed after he was adjudged to have fouled Daley Blind. But Australia continued to press, and went in front when an Oliver Bozanic cross struck the hand of Daryl Janmaat and Jedinak slotted home from the spot. The lead did not last long, though, as Van Persie netted his eleventh goal in ten internationals, controlling the ball before turning and firing into the roof of the net. Australia again opened up the Dutch and Tommy Oar crossed for Leckie, who chested rather than headed the ball straight at Cillessen. But it was Depay who decided the outcome of the game, the twenty-year-old PSV Eindhoven winger curling a shot beyond the reach of Mat Ryan to give Netherlands their first victory in four games against Australia. Cameroon failed to progress beyond the World Cup group stage once again as they slumped to a heavy defeat against Croatia. The African side fell behind in the eleventh minute as Ivica Olic fired home, and were reduced to ten men after Alex Song lashed out at Mario Mandzukic. Ivan Perisic made it 2-0 when he punished goalkeeper Charles Itanje's poor clearance, before Mandzukic headed home Croatia's third. Mandzukic added his second, tapping in after Eduardo's shot was parried. Niko Kovac's side now face Mexico in their final Group A game knowing victory would assure them of a place in the last sixteen for the first time in four attempts. But Cameroon - who played less like The Indomitable Lions and more like The Terrified Kittens - have failed to reach the second round for their fifth successive World Cup. They looked rudderless without injured captain Samuel Eto'o, and their task became more difficult when Song lost his cool five minutes before the break.
The Barcelona midfielder inexplicably lashed out at Mandzukic's back as he tracked the Croatia striker, and referee Pedro Proenca had no hesitation in showing him a red card. Cameroon were already a goal down, with Olic having tapped in after a lovely pass from the impressive Perisic. Wolfsburg midfielder Perisic, who has been linked with Everton, then went close with a header before he doubled Croatia's advantage with a excellent run and finish after Itanje found him with a poor kick. Mandzukic, who was suspended for Croatia's opening game, then showed his aerial prowess by netting a powerful header following Danijel Pranjic's corner. And the Bayern München striker completed the rout with an easy tap-in after the nervy Itanje could only push substitute Eduardo's tame shot into his path. Cameroon's best attempt came in the dying seconds, when substitute Pierre Webo's overhead kick forced Stipe Pletikosa to save brilliantly. There was still time for the four-time African champions' full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto to thrust his head at team-mate Benjamin Moukandjo during an argument in stoppage time. Cameroon still have to face hosts Brazil, and will have to improve markedly in both performance and discipline if they are to avoid another embarrassment. FIFA has, reportedly, started disciplinary proceedings against Mexico after claims of racism by their fans during their World Cup match against Cameroon last Friday. In a statement FIFA said that the inquiry was launched after what they called 'improper conduct' by Mexican fans. Tough new rules to stop such offences were introduced by FIFA last year. A first racism offence by fans or players can be punished by having to play a game behind closed doors - subsequent or more serious offences can be punished by deducting points, relegation or expulsion from a competition. Leading Fifa executives have repeatedly stated that financial sanctions have no deterrent effect. FIFA is also believed to be looking into reports of allegedly 'homophobic chanting' by Brazil's supporters and anti-Semitic and racist banners displayed by followers of Croatia and Russia.
