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PUBLISHED ONJune 16, 2014 11:37 PM
1 SHOCKING DEFENCE
La Roja started their title defence on the back of four straight clean sheets at the last World Cup in 2010 and three more in recent friendlies.
Iker Casillas is Spain's most-capped player with 155 appearances. But having just played two La Liga matches for Real Madrid this season, should someone who is not even first-choice for his club start for his country?
Early on against the Dutch, Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos hinted at what was to come when they were caught flat-footed.
The defensive duo completely misread Daley Blind's two killer crosses to allow Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben to beat Casillas, who later flapped at a free-kick and fumbled a back pass to let in another two.
Pique and Ramos showed during the second half they would suffer against pace and this is the most worrying department for coach Vicente del Bosque.
2 ALL PASSING BUT NO PACE
For 40 minutes, Spain looked like they were going to pass their way to another 1-0 victory.
Tiki-taka worked wonders in 2010 and 2012, but football in 2014 is all about a cutting edge and speed on the counter attack.
Think Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo and Robben. Spain have no such player.
3 NO RENEWAL
Holland coach Louis van Gaal started six players who have less than 20 caps of experience, five of whom manned the Dutch backline and goal.
And despite uncertainty in the opening 30 minutes, they improved and finished the game strong.
They were comfortable switching from 5-3-2 to 3-4-1-2, and Daley Blind delivered two stunning assists from the left.
In comparison, Spain generally stuck to the same old.
Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta have more than 230 caps between them, but they were so muted and you have to wonder whether they can still cut it against the world's best.
With names like Javi Martinez, Koke, Juan Mata and Cesc Fabregas on the bench, surely del Bosque has to ring in the changes against Chile on Thursday.
4 STRIKER CONUNDRUM
The Brazilians shouted: "Traitor!"
The Spanish yelled: "You're not even Spanish!"
The Dutch just laughed.
Brazil-born Spain striker Diego Costa heard it from the stands, and it translated onto the pitch, where he had a largely laborious and futile evening.
The penalty he earned was also 50-50.
His replacement Fernando Torres didn't even have the confidence to shoot from less than two metres.
In stark contrast, van Persie and Robben showed how it's done with two goals apiece.
David Villa must be the answer.
Never mind the title defence. If Spain can't beat Chile, they are going home.
Del Bosque must be brave and make some major changes.
This article was first published on June 15, 2014.
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