Oh Charley!! Spain knocked out of World Cup

By Ebenezer Donkoh Last updated Jun 18, 2014

Chile's Eduardo Vargas, centre, celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal against Spain. Photo / AP

Defending champions Spain have been knocked out of the World Cup in the group stages following a shocking 2-0 defeat to Chile in Rio de Janeiro this evening.

The 2010 World Cup winners and back-to-back European champions lost their opening game 5-1 to Netherlands and have no chance of making the second round following a second defeat today.

It is the third time in four World Cup tournaments that the defending champions have failed to reach the second round (France in 2002, Italy in 2010).

Eduardo Vargas opened the scoring for Chile in the 20th minute, who won their opener 3-1 against Australia, finishing off a well-worked team goal.

Charles Aránguiz added a second just before halftime.

Netherlands beat Australia 3-2 in the earlier game in Group B to go top on six points.