Spain change too soon with must-win against Chile

CURITIBA, Brazil (AP) — The Netherlands crushing win over Spain has precipitated a question that wasn't expected to come up until after the World Cup — when do Spain's veterans give way to its rising crop of talented youngsters?

Coach Vicente del Bosque said changes would be made for the must-win match against Chile on Wednesday. But with its title on the line, Spain's transition still may not be fully made in Brazil.

Midfielder Xabi Alonso says "to think that this generation of players is finished is a little exaggerated. We've still got life, there's more to come from this team, which knows how to compete."

Spain not only needs to win the Group B match with Chile at the Maracana, but also has a big goal-difference deficit to make up after being routed 5-1 by the Netherlands.