Spain 2018
Spain at Russia 2018 were engulfed in chaos before a ball was even kicked. Two days before their opening match, the Spanish Football Federation sacked manager Julen Lopetegui after he announced he would join Real Madrid after the tournament Fernando Hierro, the sporting director, was thrust into the role. The group stage opener against Portugal produced one of the great World Cup matches: a 3-3 thriller in which Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick, including a stunning late free kick, and Diego Costa matched him blow for blow. Spain topped their group but looked fragile. In the round of 16, hosts Russia sat deep, absorbed Spain's possession, and won on penalties after a 1-1 draw. It was a humbling exit for the 2010 champions. The managerial turmoil, the lack of a cutting edge, and the penalty heartbreak marked the end of the tiki-taka era a generation's golden age was over.
