Arrogance eliminated: Spain leaves humiliated.
Two days before the start of the World Cup, goalkeeper Iker Casillas declared: "Spain is the absolute favorite"; thrashed 5-1 by the Netherlands and defeated 2-0 by Chile, the 2010 World Cup champions can already buy their return tickets; they were humiliated and enter World Cup history as the champions with the worst campaign in the following tournament; the Netherlands and Chile are already qualified from Group B, and one of these teams will face Brazil in the next phase, should that team qualify.
247 at the World Cup - The Spanish team, which arrived in Brazil posing as favorites, can now buy its return tickets. "La Furia Roja" was defeated by Chile 2-0, after having been thrashed 5-1 by the Netherlands in the first round. Never in the history of the World Cup has a champion had such a mediocre campaign in the following tournament. And this early elimination is a punishment for Spanish arrogance – two days before the World Cup, goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who made mistakes in both matches, said that "Spain is the absolute favorite."
With Wednesday's results, the Netherlands and Chile have already qualified and will decide, next Monday at the Itaquerão stadium, who will be the group leader. Brazil, if they qualify in first place, as fans expect, will face the second-placed team. If they finish second, they will play the leader of Group B.
Below is a report from the Spanish news agency EFE, on the eve of the World Cup, in which Casillas spoke of absolute favoritism:
Casillas points to title contenders and declares: "Spain is the absolute favorite"
Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas believes the World Cup title will be a tough match, but he didn't deny the status of the reigning champions, who are coming into the tournament on a winning streak.
"Spain arrives at the World Cup as the absolute favorite. That doesn't take away the responsibility from the players to play a great role and defend their title," he stated in an interview released by one of the competition's sponsors.
"We know it's difficult because there are teams that are playing well and competing for the title, such as Germany, Portugal, Argentina, Brazil, and the Netherlands. They are also considered favorites to win the World Cup," he added.
According to the goalkeeper, 'La Roja' is prepared to face a new challenge and become the first national team in history to win two World Cups and two consecutive European Championships. With the title, they would also be the first European team to lift the trophy on the American continent.
"I would like to go as far as possible with my national team. We know it won't be easy, but we are a team that faces great challenges and we are happy to be able to try and repeat the achievement," he revealed.
Casillas also reflected on the role he will play in the Spanish national team, being both the undisputed starter and captain.
"Fifteen years with the senior national team make you more prepared for a decision than the rest of your teammates. It allows you to give advice and share experiences from the past," he asserted.