Vicente del Bosque has admitted that his Spain team were deservedly knocked out of the World Cup following the 2-0 defeat to Chile tonight.

The reigning world champions fell at the first hurdle in defending their title as first-half goals from Eduardo Vargas and Charles Aranguiz proved enough to send La Roja home.

"It was a deserved elimination," the Spain boss told reporters at full time.

"We showed character, we went forward but we weren't fortunate in front of goal. The players ran. Of course, when you are behind you have to do more of the running."

Spain face Australia in their final Group B game on Monday.

Written by
Shane Callaghan