Until midnight Saturday Sergio Ramos was on gigantic mural on the outside wall of department store - El Corte Ingles. Just metres from the Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid where a major car company had set up a giant screen so fans could watch Spain's world cup games in a beach volley type atmosphere. With ads running before, during and after all the televised world cup matches featuring Andres Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, Iker Casillas and Fernando Torre. Promoting a range of multinational brands.
All now rather corny given the national team heads into the final rubber against Australia having been eliminated after conceding seven goals and collecting Null points in two group B games. A stunning result for the country and a similar shock to the manager Vicente del Bosque. Who admitted this week his backroom team saw no warning signs ahead of the Dutch game to suggest things were nothing but tip-top.
With now rumours rife that the squad is more than fractured and the one time unbreakable bond now busted, this team takes on the final ninety minutes in a major tournament knowing it’s all over. At least for the old guard. With Xabi Alonso the first to publicly proclaim his international career ends on Monday night. As will that of captain Iker Casillas who will leave his first major tournament without collecting the trophy. A habit that has lasted since the Euro 2008 final in Vienna; was continued in Johannesburg in 2010, and then followed up in Kiev two years ago.
Relived somewhat at club level just weeks ago in Lisbon when as Real Madrid captain Casillas lifted the Champions League trophy. The tenth one no less for his club and second for him. And perhaps it was that sudden death victory in Lisbon over Atletico Madrid that set the tone for this squad.
Watching Sergio Ramos feted for weeks afterwards - following his decisive header in the 93rd minute to take the game to extra time – one could not help noticing his lacklustre performances in Brazil. Seemingly suffering from these exertions post victory and showing him at his least sublime on the both games played s far. With Casillas also continuing that unnatural flakiness under the posts. So visibly witnessed in that same final and repeated in the opening match against Holland.
The subpar strength of Alonso notable towards the end of Madrid’s domestic season and continued for Spain. With the player's physical prowess nearing the end of it once indomitable power as Mother time forgives no one.
With the theory rife that the Spanish players were exhausted due to a lengthy La Liga season this year. Made more arduous due to the three way finish at the end. A theory we see hit fail when one observes the devastation with which another Real Madrid stalwart - Karim Benzema - wreaked havoc on Switzerland. Or the role Luca Modric played for Croatia in the opening game of the 2014 world up against Brazil. In Benzema's case see him almost single-handedly except for the help of Madrid team mate Raphael Varanne. Also showing no ill effects either. Rather speed, precision and sharpness the highlight. Further questioning some deeper problem in the Spanish set up that have yet to come to light.
Similarly Marcello for Brazil, or Coentrao for Portugal – who was injured in his first game – refuting it would seem that fundamental theory being peddled in the media in Spain. Of a long season and Champions league fatigue which neither Angel di Maria for Argentina show ill effects. Or indeed Sami Khedira with Germany.
It may be though that Xabi Alonso's assessment is right when he controversially said after the Chile match that there was a lack of hunger in the team. One thing that neither Croatia nor France could be accused if anyway. With Ronaldo an exception to the comparisons as he was carrying an injury for some time. Also failing to complete the season in full health anyway, so his dismal performance in the opening game remains no surprise.
Indeed, it may bring him into a country versus club conflict as Real Madrid want him back sooner rather later for rehabilitation ahead of next season. But as captain Ronaldo wants to remain for all the Portugal games and return when his full holiday period is completed. Although given the results so far that is now more likely to be July 21st rather than some date in August.
With Xavi Hernandez, the key artiste in tika-taka generation at Barcelona set to leave for Qatar this season, he leaves a Spain selection leaden with winner’s medal at international level. Not to mention all his trophies won at Barca. A key member of that glorious generation, his departure is very significant as he is not easily replaceable - so specific were his skills. With the sports daily Marca saying " Goodbye Little Big Man" for all he has done for Spanish football at all levels.
A reception similar to one that we will hear whenever Iniesta decides to put club before country.
David Villa will also leave and his lack of starts at the national level make it less of a surprise. His move though stateside is surprising where he is expected to join the New York Red Bull MLS franchise. With Torres also on that departure list.
The good news is that it will give the younger generation a chance, with Juan Mata the one most likely to benefit. Along with Santi Cazorla, Koke and others. The old guard finally clearing the way for the new Spanish Conquistadores. Some of whom have become visibly impatient in this world cup to get their chance with del Bosque spending much time on team bonding to ensure no hiccups. At least off the pitch.
An issue never of concern before in previous tournaments where winning became so easy over the years. Or seemingly so anyway that the team was always unified.
With del Bosque himself uncertain of his own future he has tried hard nonetheless over recent days to keep the dirty laundry under wraps. As is his way. In fact taking Xabi Alonso task after his pointed comments after the Chile match.
“We couldn't maintain that hunger, that ambition... we weren't mentally prepared or physically fit enough." comments that first surprised the dressing room and quickly turned to anger given the view was not shared. The Real Madrid player’s comments clearly his own view it has to be said. The squad adamant their poor performances were to a lack of hunger, ambition or poor preparation,
The first players to respond were Iniesta and Diego Costa whilst still at the Maracaná stadium. The Barca midfielder denying that the problem was a lack of ambition. Whilst the new Chelsea striker making his opinion very clear: "I don't agree with his comments. Everybody here was focused on winning. I'm here because I wanted to win, I wanted to reach the final and do a good job, but it wasn't to be. We obviously lacked something, but in terms of quality we're superior to many other teams."
Obviously Alonso touched a raw nerve and with one game still to go the glorious memories of this amazing group of Spanish players will live on regardless of the results in Brasil 2014. As France could testify about the Japan and Korea World Cup 2002. The winning doesn't go on forever and what is won in the past is reconciled to history as new champions elect come along.
The added problem for Spain that for six years opponents have studied a way to defeat them and in Brazil a number of opposing managers got their chance. Principally Louis van Gaal of Holland managing many players who had lost to Spain in the 2010 world cup final.
But as a Brazil legend wrote this week: "Spain, thank you. It is thrilling to see such beautiful games. I get to my feet and I applaud you."
Words from World Cup winner in 1970, Tostao dedicated a complete article in the newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo to Spain, asserting that La Roja are responsible for the good football on show at World Cup 2014
In his piece entitled ‘Thank You Spain’, the former midfielder wrote “Barcelona and Spain have made an enormous contribution to world football. The top national teams and club sides have incorporated the attractive and efficient style of the Spanish and added several important details. This mix is the reason for the excellent football we’re seeing today at the World Cup.”
Tostao admitting his sadness at Spain’s early exit in Brazil, one he put down to “some players growing older” and the fact that teams “start to lose” when they “get used to the routine of victories”.
The 67-year-old believes that Spain lack attackers due to so many foreign forwards in La Liga now and in the past.
“The Spain midfield is so spectacular that even without a great player in attack they won two European Championships in a row and a World Cup. With the decline of the playmakers, the deficiencies in attack became more evident.” He added.
“Spain, thank you. It is thrilling to see such beautiful games. I get to my feet and I applaud you.”
Amidst all the growing recriminations Tostao’s words are probably the wisest. After all the three-time world champions were less than impressive at the 1974 tournament in Germany. Just about finishing fourth and playing an ugly physical style that erased the memories of the Samba style that still makes Mexico 1970 so memorable.
Spain's greatest footballing generation now exit stage left on Monday night. We should remember footballing achievements. Rather than focus on the present. No team has ever won two EURO titles, and a world cup back-to-back
Gracias La Roja!
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