Reaction from Spain: "The party is over"

El Pais adopts a philosophical tone.

"Nothing is eternal, so the United States defeat, even if unexpected, should not discount the excellent record of a team begun by Luis Aragonés and continued under Vicente del Bosque's guardianship. "

The Spanish newspaper of record also praised the USA. It was an ordeal for Casillas to put the ball on the feet of his players as the hustling US defense closed ranks. The pressure forced the usually impeccable and stately Spanish midfield into making errors. The US has grown from a squad of college players playing clandestine football into a group of professional players who are part of the bigger European leagues. They are no longer naive.