2014 World Cup: Defending Champions Spain Crash To World Cup Exit At Hands Of Chile

Good things come to an end is a popular saying, and for the Spanish national soccer team, that couldn't be more relevant. Spain had one back-to-back World Cups and they were a top contender to make it three in a row at the 2014 World Cup. After a devastating 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Netherlands, they had to beat Chile, but sadly, they never looked like challenging them. Spain went out without so much as a whimper, losing 2-0 and seeing their defense of their title end before their final group game against Australia.

Many have blamed their manager, their tactics and some have suggested their time is simply up. Star player, Xabi Alonso, thinks it's many things. He explained "We didn't know how to maintain our hunger or that conviction needed to win a tournament. The joy and success we've experienced is over. Normally cycles come to an end after a defeat. Maybe it would be best to think about making changes."

Sadly, the 32-year-old veteran will of likely seen his last World Cup tournament end in such a terrible fashion. Could he be forced to retire, or will he willingly walk away? Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque had plenty to say: "It's true that when such things happen during a World Cup or a tournament such things have consequences. We have time to analyse that and it is not the right time now. There will be time to think and reflect what we are going to do. I think this team is good but we have to take a decision about what is good for Spanish football and that applies to myself as well."

It appears once the Spanish leave Brazil, a lot of them may never be apart of their soccer team again. Who will take their World Cup crown?