RIO DE JANEIRO, AFP – Holders Spain were sensationally sent crashing out of the World Cup with a 2-0 defeat to Chile on Wednesday, the earliest exit by the reigning champions for 64 years.
On a day when King Juan Carlos tearfully sealed his abdication after a four-decade reign, Spain's players were booted off their throne in 90 minutes after six years as the dominant force of world football.
Chile's Eduardo Vargas and Charles Aranguiz administered the killer blows as a trophy-laden Spanish era was brought to a shattering end at the Maracana Stadium.
Chile's victory sees them qualify for the last 16 from Group B along with the Netherlands, who thrashed Spain 5-1 in their opening match last week.