Spain defender, Sergio Ramos, has insisted Spain’s World Cup elimination in the group stage is not the end of an era.

The defending champions have now joined Italy (1950 and 2010), Brazil (1966) and France (2002) who all failed to reach the second round four years after they had won the World Cup.

Ramos played in both of his side’s losses and confirmed the defeat is hard to take but promised Spain will leave the tournament with dignity.

“This is a very tough moment for our national team,” he is quoted by fifa.com.

“I don’t want to say that (it is the end of an era) because this is the same team that became champions of the world and Europe. We’ve made history in our country and you can’t forget that.

“More than anything else this team’s got pride and dignity.”

Ramos’ teammate, Pedro, also struggled to find words for the elimination but insisted Spain will soon be back at the very top.

“It’s hard to explain. We were excited at the prospect of winning this game and carrying on in the competition but it wasn’t meant to be. There’s nothing else for us to do but try to sign off on a high note and then go home,” Pedro added.

 “We have to pick ourselves up. It’s tough but we have to look to the future, be positive and try to take Spain back to where it belongs, which is the very top.”

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