SPAIN introduced the world to tiki-taka football but they have always been known as the La Furia Roja.
At Wembley last night, for 89 minutes, there was nothing particularly furious about the men in red shirts before giving us a bit of a slap.
Looking ahead to this qualifying campaign, you had to wonder how rosy the future looked for new coach Julen Lopetegui, the former goalkeeper charged of dragging Spain into a new era.
Just 12 months after Spain embarrassed England in a friendly in Alicante, albeit with a 2-0 scoreline, this once great team looked bang ordinary until the dying moments.
First Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas and then Isco.
Yes, they were missing a whole bunch of key players who would have provided more of a test. And yes, they remain top of their qualifying group.
But even though we saw different surnames on the back of this famous shirt – Sergio Busquets was the only starting survivor from the game last year – it was still a surprise how poor Spain were until they woke up with Wembley half empty
You would have to be a fool to put any money on England winning the World Cup in 2018. Equally, there would have to be concerns over anyone stupid enough to think Spain can recreate their 2010 triumph in South Africa in two years’ time.
A 1-1 draw against Italy in Turin last month has been the only goal Spain has conceded under Lopetegui who has won the other four games. But due to the Azzurri being in their qualifying group, top spot is certainly not guaranteed.
Spain started with just four players who faced Macedonia on a 4-0 qualifying win on Saturday but to illustrate how this team has changed, of those who started last night, only David Silva and Busquets featured in the Euro 2012 final win over Italy.
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There is no longer a Xavi or Xabi Alonso causing mayhem. That other midfield magician, Andres Iniesta, joined Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique on the injury list while keeper David de Gea watched from the bench.
Spain normally line up with a back four but they decided to go for an in-vogue three-man defence. With England causing a few problems on the flanks, Spain switched to a conventional four. They probably will not try that experiment again.
Spain’s defending in the build-up to the penalty was poor and was even worse for the second with Inigo Martinez failing to get anywhere near Vardy.
The goal from Celtia Vigo striker Iago was outstanding and Isco had the last laugh with a goal through the legs of Tom Heaton.
Spain will probably win a trophy before England but they could still be in for a wait.
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