First last time. Last this time. Now three out of the four last World Cup winners have fallen at the first hurdle. And having reached such heights in the last few tournaments, Spain's epic fall is all the more shocking.
Sure, there will be inquisitions back home. Players too tired. Line-ups too predictable. Other teams finally worked out how to beat the masters, Holland in devastating style, 5-1 straight off the bat. There was no coming back from that.
But before this tournament, the formula worked. And if it ain't broke...
Where in the last few tournaments, Spain had been able to play badly and still get a result, this time they got found out. But they still have the players to threaten next time we'll see them on the international stage at Euro2016.
Until then, you have been watching one of the greatest international sides ever.
Sure, there will be inquisitions back home. Players too tired. Line-ups too predictable. Other teams finally worked out how to beat the masters, Holland in devastating style, 5-1 straight off the bat. There was no coming back from that.
But before this tournament, the formula worked. And if it ain't broke...
Where in the last few tournaments, Spain had been able to play badly and still get a result, this time they got found out. But they still have the players to threaten next time we'll see them on the international stage at Euro2016.
Until then, you have been watching one of the greatest international sides ever.
