Will it be do or die for the World Champions?

Brazil (1966). France (2002). Italy (2010).

Vicente del Bosque has the unenviable task of preventing a fourth entry by the name of ‘Spain (2014)’ into the list of defending champions knocked out in the first round of the succeeding World Cup.
After a drubbing at the hands of the Dutch in their opening match, the Spanish armada arrive at the mythical Estadio Maracana in Rio de Janeiro knowing that anything less than a win against Chile tonight will leave them watching the knockout rounds on their television sets back home. It was at this very ground a year back that the cracks in Spain’s tiki-taka style of play were blasted open by Neymar and Co. when Brazil brushed them aside in the Confederation’s Cup final. And now, they are faced with the challenge of knocking over a resolute Chilean side , who have lost just twice in their last sixteen matches.
It will be interesting to see whether the tactically rigid del Bosque opts for a change in system and personnel or sticks with the same team. The places of veteran goalkeeper Iker Casillas, defender Gerard Pique are under scrutiny as are the places of ageing midfield generals Xavi Hernandez and Xabi Alonso. Captain Iker Casillas accepted the primary responsibility for the horror show against the Netherlands, where he was at fault for at least two of the five goals. The 33 year old’s place is in serious doubt, although automatic second choice David de Gea is down with a muscle problem and Pepe Reina, the third keeper, is not much younger at 31.
There are problems aplenty in defence too, with Pique’s worrying lack of form continuing into the tournament. Bayern Munich’s Javi Martinez is likely to take his place in the heart of defence along with Sergio Ramos, who may retain his place due to his super form coming into the tournament and his perennial scoring threat from set pieces. Changes are also expected in midfield with Xavi and Xabi Alonso likely to make way for the more industrial Koke and the twinkle toed Juan Mata. Pedro is expected to start in attack at the expense of David Silva, while Brazilian-born striker Diego Costa will probably start from the bench, with his Atletico Madrid team mate and Spain all time top scorer David Villa likely to start.
There are talks of Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli fielding a 3-5-2 side with the midfield trio of Arturo Vidal, Jorge Valdivia and Gary Medel, up forward from central defence, employed to suffocate their Spanish counterparts and not allow them to dictate from midfield. Flying wingers Jean Beausejour and Felipe Gutierrez will provide the width and the whipped crosses that the Spanish calamitously failed to handle against the Dutch. Forwards Alexis Sanchez and Eduardo Vargas will be the outlets for the counter-attacks that has often led to the undoing of the tiki-taka style of play.

Four years back in South Africa, Spain, the European champions, were facing the prospect of an early exit from the Biggest Show on Earth after opening the group with a shock loss against Switzerland. In a do or die encounter against Chile, a David Villa inspired Spain won a hard fought game 2-1 and got their campaign going which culminated with them becoming World Champions. Will there be a history-making encore?
They say lightning doesn’t strike twice. Try telling that to the Spanish supporters.