"The End" was on the cover of Spain's leading newspaper "Marca" as defending champions La Roja crashed out of the FIFA World Cup 2014.
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Following two successive losses in the group stage, Spain were dumped out of the quadrennial showpiece event in the South American country.
Spanish fans expressed shock and disappointment after Chile defeated Vicente del Bosque's men 2-0 on Wednesday (June 18) at the Maracana. This was after their opening game 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Netherlands.
"Marca" newspaper had the image of a dejected Andres Iniesta on the cover with "The End" printed against green football pitch background.
Iniesta was the hero of Spain's World Cup triumph four years ago in South Africa. He had secured the trophy for them with the winning goal in extra time against Holland in the final.
Spain, who had arrived in Brazil on the back of three consecutive trophies (2008 Euro, 2010 World Cup and 2012 Euro), failed to carry on their magic.
Many have called this the end of an era. Captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas was holding the Jules Rimet Trophy in South Africa in 2010 but this time around he was in awful form, letting in 7 goals in two matches. It was in contrast to his record four years again when he conceded just 2 goals entire tournament.
It could be the end for many in current Spanish squad and a new generation will have to take the team back to glory.
Here are some of the tweets from the fans after Spain's exit
the #FifaWorldCup is partly over for me after Spain's exit. Anticipating Portugal's exit next. :) Then it will all be over for me. :)))
— #POR (@sayantonib) June 19, 2014
I thought chile triumph last night was the best game so far, enjoyed watching Spain crash out I must say
— alan eyres (@AlanEyres) June 19, 2014
Spain's tiki taka needs a revamp. I wonder who would be the perfect person for the job. Need someone younger who can bridge the gap
— kurt bento (@kurtbento) June 19, 2014
What a difference four years makes. Spain eliminated from World Cup competition. pic.twitter.com/cNsJQgwt5a
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 18, 2014
Spain dominated 3 major tournaments and changed the way the game is played - I don't think I will see another team like them in my lifetime
— Joe Morrison (@joefooty) June 19, 2014
Even the characters in google doodle are playing better football than Spain.. pic.twitter.com/QhqUYuAyRH
— Keh Ke Peheno (@coolfunnytshirt) June 19, 2014
That awkward moment when Spain only came to Brazil to return the World Cup.
— Rykal Hakimi (@rykalhakimi) June 19, 2014
Spain now the only #FIFAWorldCup defending champ to lose their first 2 games at Group stage.
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) June 19, 2014
4 yrs ago, we had lots of water in California, Flight 370 & Spain in the World Cup. Now we have no rain, no plane & no Spain.
— Philip Michaels (@PhilipMichaels) June 19, 2014
Suprabhat! So Spain are sadly out! Guess we can now truly say an era is over!
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) June 19, 2014
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