After losing 2-0 to Chile at Rio de Janerio on Wednesday, Spain’s World Cup team headed home with heavy hearts. Being crowned champions four years ago might be what made the first round dismissal that much harder.
According to The New York Times, the blow of the final whistle initiated an “E-lim-i-na-do! E-lim-i-na-do!” chant from the Chile fans. The chanting echoed disappointment around the stadium and reminded Spain players that this World Cup didn’t bring much more than empty promises.
For such a strong team, one that had also just won its second consecutive European championship, the quick exit came as quite a surprise. Andrés Iniesta, one of Spain’s central midfielders, said, “We have been at the very highest point. Now we are at the very lowest,” according to The Guardian.
The feeling of frustration and regret was mutual among all the Spain players. “Most of them walked the route in silence, passing by in front of the media, eyes down. They had just produced the country’s worst performance at the World Cup, at a tournament they had turned up to as champions,” reported The Guardian.
Many people are saying this was the end of an era for Spain, but the players tried to remain more positive. Marca stated that Iker Casillas, Spain’s goalkeeper, apologized to the fans, tried, attempting to keep his chin up, saying, “We have to look to the future and end on a high note.”
Photo: ESPN still image from video
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