Disappointment This year’s premature exit was made all the more disappointing by the fact that Spain finally showed signs of potential greatness. There was a sparkling 4-0 destruction of Ukraine, who ironically remain in the tournament, in their opening match, a gutsy 3-1 comeback win against Tunisia and a clinically efficient 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia by the second stringers.Lack of killer instinctStrikers Torres and Villa looked ready to provide the goals, Xavi, Xabi Alonso and Fabregas the quality and touch in midfield, and Puyol and Sergio Ramos the steel in defence. But once again Spain, who have only once progressed beyond the quarter-final stage at a World Cup, came up short in the knockout stages through a combination of innocence, tactical naivety and lack of killer instinct.Aragones outwittedAt 67, Luis Aragones may be one of the oldest and most experienced coaches, but on Tuesday he was outwitted by the more astute manoeuvres of Raymond Domenech. With the match delicately poised at 1-1 at halftime, Aragones played his trump cards too early in the game, throwing on Luis Garcia and Joaquin just nine minutes after the break. The poker-faced Domenech continued to keep his cards close to his chest and did not make his first move until the 74th minute. Optimism amid tears“Don’t cry. We have a team and will return. This isn’t the same as other times. We are coming home but we have a team, a style of play, fans, and a future..although we have to learn.”Spanish Daily Marca
