On paper, many had expected Spain to record a second win in their EURO 2016 qualifying group against Slovakia after the disaster at this year's World Cup.
La Furia Roja became the second team in recent times--preceded by Italy--to win a trophy at the prior tournament and to be dumped out of the group stages four years later in Brazil. The shock result saw coach Vincente Del Bosque have to field inquiries about his tenure on the bench and many accusatory fingers were pointed, in particular at embattled captain Iker Casillas.
A 1-0 loss to France in their first friendly was quickly forgotten as they thrashed minnows Macedonia 5-0 and observers began to perhaps think that the Brazil disaster was just a one-off.
Well, unfortunately for the EURO 2008 and 2012 and World Cup 2010 winners, Slovakia weren't going to be as easily brushed aside. The host nation, who made their first ever World Cup appearance in South Africa, bought their A-game as they seek to secure their spot in the upcoming EURO tournament, which will be their first as an independent nation from Czechoslovakia.
As a result, after Casillas made yet another blunder to gift the home team the lead through Juraj Kucka's free-kick, and was unable to stop the game winner from Miroslav Stoch, the reactions erupted after the shock of seeing Spain lose their first qualifying match in eight years.
Historic: Slovakia's players celebrate after an inspiring win over Spain in front of their home fans
And here's some of those Twitter reactions:
Slovakia beat Spain....the tragedy continues for Spain from the world cup
— Dhirtan Pillay (@dhirtan) October 9, 2014
That second Slovakia goal. Iker Casillas seemingly leapt out of its way. Bizarre.
— James Tyler (@JamesTylerESPN) October 9, 2014
Slovakia's " stoch" is rising after tonite
— craig power (@blaaboy) October 9, 2014
This is the team that lost 2-1 to Slovakia, amazing pic.twitter.com/Uh62nGr8Kk
— bambi (@robbamberger) October 9, 2014
Did slovakia really beat Spain ? Think theres a glitch with my tv #unbelievableJeff
— bubble popcorn (@Jaseytron) October 9, 2014
History created. #Slovakia defeat #Spain. Great game and and amazing scenes. First time in almost 25 years. #SVKvsESP #Euro2016Qualifiers
— Bosco Fernandes (@hawk536) October 9, 2014
what just happened? That's why it's called #TheBeautifulGame "@FootballFunnys: FT: Slovakia 2-1 Spain pic.twitter.com/O3qMBBbgEW"
— Johnny M (@johnnymerheb) October 9, 2014
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