Defending champion Spain on brink at World Cup as Chile leads 2-0 at halftime

Chile's Eduardo Vargas, right, scores the opening goal during the group B World Cup soccer match between Spain and Chile at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, June 18, 2014. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) (The Associated Press)

Chile's Eduardo Vargas celebrates scoring the opening goal during the group B World Cup soccer match between Spain and Chile at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, June 18, 2014. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) (The Associated Press)

Spain is 45 minutes away from being eliminated from the World Cup as the defending champion trails Chile 2-0 at halftime in their Group B match on Wednesday.

Eduardo Vargas wrong-footed goalkeeper Iker Casillas and shot into an unguarded goal in the 20th minute. The attack down Chile's right wing started when veteran Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso gave away the ball to Alexis Sanchez.

Charles Aranguiz then doubled the lead from a rebound after the ball landed at his feet when Casillas punched out a free kick from Alexis Sanchez in the 43rd.

A second loss for Spain, and second win for Chile, will eliminate the defending champion after group leader the Netherlands beat Australia 3-2 earlier Wednesday.