No one expected the Spanish to show up in Brazil looking so tired and slow. Compared with the Chileans, they looked as if they were in slow motion. But when you think about it, was it simply because they didn’t have any great soccer left in them?

Seven of Spain’s 23 players competed in the all-Spanish Champions League final a few weeks ago. Ten played in the semis. In the longer view, the team has been playing and playing since winning the 2008 European championship, and several of this World Cup team’s key players — including Casillas, Xabi Alonso, Andrés Iniesta, Cesc Fàbregas and Xavi Hernández — were on that squad.

Xavi, the key figure in their midfield is 34; Casillas is 33; Xabi Alonso is 32. After so many miles on their legs and so much pressure to stay on top, their bodies might have had enough of it. No one ever said it’s easy to be the best. Besides, a younger generation is waiting.

Maybe Spain saw it coming; maybe it didn’t. But for every amazing athlete and every great team, there comes an end. Sometimes, it comes slowly, the way it did for Michael Jordan when he couldn’t dazzle us with his spectacular play as much as before. And sometimes, it comes fast, like one day waking up to a pair of creaky knees that refuse to do anyone’s bidding.

Only one thing is certain: Even the best can’t avoid the end.

SPAIN 2014 = FRANCE 2002

OVERRATED, OVERCONFIDENT, OVER-PRESSURED and UNDERRATING OPPONENTS

They will be out @ group stage. Unless of course they bribe the ref,history will repeat itself

http://campobahia.com/de.html#%C3%BCbersicht

The Germans leaving nothing to chance. Purpose built resort.
http://www.dailymail.co....ew-25-million-base.html

Every little thing matters. Glad German is looking after their team. What did I just read about England?