2010 FIFA World Cup: Spain Loss Means Possible Early Meeting With Brazil

An early upset at the hands of Switzerland leaves Spain's quest for nine points unattainable, and its possibility of winning the group in doubt. As a result, people are already talking about a potential Round of 16 matchup between the world's No. 1 and No. 2 teams: Brazil and Spain.

Obviously, that's looking a little far ahead considering that teams in both groups still have two matches left to play, but the chance of the two Goliaths meeting so early is there.

After breezing through World Cup qualifying—winning all 10 matches—the Spaniards are now playing catch-up to avoid potentially playing Brazil in the first knockout stage. The prospect of the two powerhouses facing off is certainly tantalizing, but many saw it happening later in the tournament (i.e. the final).

So what would it mean for the World Cup if they play earlier than expected?

For one, the other teams would dodge a huge bullet. Rather than having both sides potentially running through the elimination phase en route to the championship match, the two contenders would square off against each other and send one packing without anyone else lifting a finger.

Then there's the fact that one of the top two teams in the world would make a premature exit. Without a doubt, fans from both Spain and Brazil would be in uproar if they lost in the Round of 16.

After finally living up to expectations by winning Euro 2008, Spain was supposed to have put its woeful ways behind them. Coupled with a 35-game unbeaten streak, the Spaniards were unstoppable. Those accomplishments would be all but forgotten with an early departure from the World Cup, though.

As for Brazil, nothing less than a sixth World Cup trophy will satisfy supporters. A loss in the opening elimination round could mean anarchy in Rio de Janeiro.

Kidding.

But seriously, if the Brazilians lose this hypothetical match, they would never hear the end of it.

And personally, I'd rather not see the No. 1 and No. 2 sides square off so early in the tournament. It just wouldn't feel right.

With Brazil in the Group of Death, and Spain still capable of capturing six points, this matchup can be avoided. Whether it would be good for the tournament is up for debate.