Spain’s Xavi Hernandez, left, and goalkeeper Iker Casillas attend a press conference the day before the group B World Cup soccer match between Spain and the Netherlands at the Arena Ponte Nova in Salvador, Brazil, Thursday, June 12, 2014. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)
SALVADOR, Brazil — Spain midfielder Xavi Hernandez says Friday’s 5-1 World Cup loss to the Netherlands was the hardest of his career.
The defending champions were uncharacteristically dominated in their Group B opener, to put themselves in a likely must-win situation for their next two matches in order to reach the elimination stages.
The 34-year-old Xavi says “this is the hardest loss of my career. It was a terrible match, a debacle. We did everything wrong.”
The Barcelona midfielder, who was making his 134th appearance for the two-time European champions, has won 26 major trophies in his career with club and country including three Champions Leagues and seven Spanish leagues.
Despite the blow, Xavi remained optimistic ahead of Wednesday’s game against Chile, saying “the positive is that we’re still alive.”
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