Spain began the World Cup as the favorites to retain their title, heading into the tournament in Brazil as the top ranked team the world.
But in their very first match in Group B, the reigning world and European champions suffered a mighty blow out as they were humbled and humiliated 1-5 by a spirited and energetic Dutch side in Salvador. And Spanish midfielder Xavi Hernandez, the heartbeat of the Spain engine room has said that it was the hardest loss of his career.
According to the Barcelona veteran, it was terrible match for the Spaniards and an absolute debacle. He said that whatever the team tried to do, it went wrong. This is the first time since 1963 that Spain have lost by such a huge margin and according to Xavi Hernandez, there is still some scope for the team to turn around, but he knows it will be very difficult for them.
It was the Spanish midfield maestro’s 134th international appearance, a career that has seen him win several major honors, including the World Cup last time, beating the same Netherlands team in 2010 as well as the European Championships in 2008 and 2012 but this was one night that will not be forgotten in a hurry.
But according to Xavi Hernandez, the one positive from the match is that they are still in it. Spain still has two matches left in the group, against the dark horses Chile and the underdogs Australia.
These are two matches that everyone expects them to win and rewrite the history as they did in 2010 when they became the first team in the history of the World Cup to win the tournament after losing their first match when they suffered a shock 1-0 loss to Switzerland.
But some might say lightning doesn’t strike twice.