Spain, Holland, Croatia in action at the World Cup tonight

RIO DE JANEIRO: Defending champions Spain could be knocked out of the World Cup Wednesday if they crash and burn against Chile at the Maracana stadium, the spiritual home of the Brazilian game.

Humiliated 5-1 by the Netherlands in their opening Group B game, the 2010 winners and two-time European champions, will be doomed if they lose to Chile and the Dutch avoid defeat to Australia earlier in the day in Porto Alegre.

Only three defending champions have previously fallen at the first hurdle -- Brazil in 1966, France in 2002, and Italy in 2010.

In the last match of the day Croatia take on Cameroon. For Croatia and Cameron, having both lost their opening matches, a victory is crucial in staying alive in a tough Group A including Brazil and Mexico.