Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has said the dominance his country has enjoyed over the last six year is over after La Roja were knocked out of the World Cup at the group stage.
The 32-year-old took his place in the starting line-up for Spain but couldn’t prevent them losing 2-0 to Chile. Indeed, Alonso struggled to cope with the South American’s high pressing game and was removed at half time for younger midfielder Koke. Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos also played for Vicente del Bosque’s men.
Having delighted football fans across the world for the last six years with their incredible passing game, this World Cup has been hugely disappointing for the current holders. The 2-0 loss to Chile was preceded by a 5-1 defeat to Holland on Friday night.
Speaking after the game, Alonso hinted that changes would need to be made to the side and younger players would need to step and and move the national side forward.
“We didn’t know how to maintain our hunger or that conviction needed to win a tournament,” he said.
“The joy and success we’ve experienced is over. Normally cycles come to an end after a defeat. Maybe it would be best to think about making changes,” the former Liverpool man added.
