Big game for world champions tonight

Ninety minutes later and some are questioning whether Casillas should keep his place for tonight’s vital game (8pm) against Chile after Spain suffered their heaviest defeat at a World since their 6-1 humbling to Brazil back in 1950.

To put their 5-1 hiding at the hands of the Dutch into some context, when winning Euro 2008 the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 Spain conceded six goals in 19 games, yet here they were ripped to shreds time after time by a side that were cut to 10/1 from 40/1 by BetVictor to lift the trophy next month.

Spain have, of course, been here before having lost their first game in South Africa in 2010 to Switzerland and are likely to improve as the tournament progresses, but they face a difficult battle to now get out of the group and if, as expected, Brazil top their group then the runners-up in Spain’s group will meet the hosts in the last 16.

How will coach Vincente Del Bosque react to the loss?

Barcelona centre back Gerard Pique and Atletico striker Diego Costa are two players whose place in the starting XI must be under close scrutiny with Javi Martinez suggested as a likely replacement for the former with Cesc Fabregas and a return to the ‘false number nine’ formation a possible change in attack.

There is also a school of thought that one of Xavi or Xabi Alonso could make way for Koke in midfield, but I don’t think the coach will overreact to the defeat, especially as he will have identified serious deficiencies in tonight’s opponents, who were anything but impressive in beating Australia 3-1 in their opening game.

Spain are 13/20 at BetVictor to beat Chile (4/1), who will have been pleased that Arturo Vidal played for an hour against the Soccerroos.

The Juve midfielder has played little football in recent weeks since returning from knee surgery but he is a key player for the South Americans who would surely take a draw now in the Maracana.

The pressure is certainly on Del Bosque; in South Africa the holders Italy never made it out of the group stages finishing bottom of a group that included New Zealand, who went home unbeaten after three draws.

The current holders are Even money to qualify for the knockout stages at BetVictor, and if they beat Chile and Australia perhaps it will be the hosts Brazil and not the holders Spain who will have most to fear in the last 16.

Before that, however, Spain have two more cup finals to win.

It was never going to be easy for Spain to defend their title and Friday’s loss was a huge blow, but not a terminal one.

Spain beat Chile in their final Group game 2-1 in Pretoria four years ago and the rest is history.

The Netherlands got revenge for their World Cup Final defeat four years ago on Friday and Chile know they can guarantee their place in the last 16 with a win in the Maracana.

Brazil 2014 has got off to a magnificent start and tonight’s Spain v Chile clash might just be the biggest game of the tournament to date.

Charlie, BetVictor