RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – The king is dead. The World Cup will have a new champion.
Just like France in 2002 and Italy in 2010, defending champions Spain are going home with their tail between their legs.
Chile’s 2-0 win over Spain in the Maracana Stadium brimming with fevered supporters ends an uninterrupted six-year era of dominance for the European and world champions.
Eduardo Vargas tricked goalkeeper Iker Casillas into diving the wrong way, then shot into an unguarded goal in the 20th minute. Charles Aranguiz scored in the 43rd when the ball landed at his feet after Casillas punched out a free kick.
The Netherlands look an increasingly good prospect to take the vacated crown.
Demolishing Spain 5-1 last week showed the Dutch can be spectacular. Toughing out a come-from-behind 3-2 victory against Australia today showed them to be resilient.
Spain had hoped to join Italy – winners in 1934 and 1938 – and Brazil – champions in 1958 and 1962 – as the only nations to retain the World Cup.
Group B Standings
Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Points
Netherlands 2 0 0 8 3 6
Chile 2 0 0 5 1 6
Australia 0 0 2 3 6 0
Spain 0 0 2 1 7 0
Schedule & Results
Netherlands 5, Spain 1
Chile 3, Australia 1
Netherlands 3, Australia 2
Chile 2, Spain 0
Monday, June 23 – noon: Spain vs Australia at Curitiba, Brazil
Monday, June 23 – noon: Netherlands vs Chile at Sao Paulo
