Goodbye Spain as Chile, Netherlands go through

Spain crashes out of the World Cup, scoring only a single goal in two matches against seven for their opponents. Chile and Holland are through to the next round.

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Video highlights here: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186498/index.html

Spain dethroned as Chile dazzle

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.

Spain's early departure will send shockwaves through football after an unprecedented period of success that saw them win the 2010 World Cup as well as back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

They arrived at the World Cup as one of the favourites after a qualifying campaign which gave no clue of the looming disaster in Brazil.

But instead they they join Italy (1950 and 2010), Brazil (1966) and France (2002) as the only holders to be knocked out in the first phase.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque had signalled the turmoil in the Spain camp by dropping veteran midfielder Xavi and defender Gerard Pique beforehand.

But Del Bosque's decision to retain out-of-form goalkeeper Iker Casillas backfired, with the Spanish skipper at fault for Chile's second goal, lashed home by Aranguiz just before half-time.

Aranguiz had earlier helped to set up Chile's first, cutting back for Vargas to finish after a superb counter-attack.

The final whistle sparked delirium inside the Maracana, where Chilean fans had heavily outnumbered their Spanish counterparts and roared on their team relentlessly throughout.

Chile will now face Holland next Monday in what could well be a battle to avoid Brazil, who are expected to face the runners-up from Group B in the last 16.

Video highlights here: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186478/index.html

Dutch delight after Australia fright at World Cup

PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil, – Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie scored as Netherlands came from behind to beat brave Australia 3-2 at the World Cup on Wednesday.

A second-half strike from Memphis Depay settled an electrifying Group B encounter at Porto Alegre's Beira-Rio Stadium after a stunning Tim Cahill volley and a Mile Jedinak penalty helped the Socceroos take a 2-1 lead.

Van Persie will miss the next game against Chile though after picking up a second yellow card.

And Louis Van Gaal's side were given an almighty fright by their fired up Australian opponents, who now face certain elimination.

But the Australians have enhanced their reputation with a gutsy performance in their 3-1 opening defeat to Chile and the heroic display against one of football's established nations.

After soaking up early pressure, Bayern Munich star Robben settled Dutch nerves with a superb solo effort on 20 minutes.

But Cahill equalised moments later with a stunning volley which crashed off the underside of the crossbar and into the net.

Australia then took a shock lead nine minutes after half-time, Jedinak drilling the spot-kick after Daryl Janmaat was adjudged to have handled.

Van Persie pounced four minutes later to make it 2-2 before Depay lashed in his 68th-minute winner for the Dutch, who were watched by Holland's King Willem-Alexander and his wife Maxima.

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