MADRID, Spain - Reeling from its worst defeat in 47 years, World Cup champion Spain was showered with criticism Thursday for closing an historic year with a 4-0 rout from Portugal.

Four months after eliminating Portugal on its way to its first ever World Cup triumph, coach Vicente del Bosque said Spain "couldn't have played any worse" on Wednesday as it endured its worst defeat since a 6-2 loss to Scotland in 1963.

The Spanish media agreed.

Sports daily Marca labelled it "A Terrible Slap to the Face," while El Pais wrote "Spain's prestige wasted." La Razon was brief: "Champion Ridiculed."

Spain tops its 2012 European Championship qualifying group after three straight wins but is winless in three friendlies since its 1-0 win over the Netherlands in the final in South Africa, including a 4-1 loss to Argentina in September.

"It's worrying what happened in Argentina and then today," striker Fernando Llorente said. "We played badly and we lacked intensity in all aspects. A grim day."

The last time Spain lost 4-0 was to Italy in 1942.

While Spain controlled much of the first half through its usual quick-touch passing game, it eventually succumbed to a hungrier Portugal led by the pacy Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani on the flanks.

Spain's midfield and defence was slow to react, especially in the second half as Portugal scored three times from counterattacks after Carlos Martins closed the first half with the opener.

El Mundo wrote Spain appeared as if it had shown up at the less-than-capacity Stadium of Light only to do its part for the Iberian neighbours' joint-2018 World Cup bid.

"We didn't properly motivate the players and they played with little intensity," Del Bosque said. "We need to play with more intensity in friendlies."

Before a 1-1 friendly draw at Mexico in August, Spain had lost only twice in 55 matches in all competitions -- a streak that dated to February 2007.

While Xavi Hernandez reached 99 games, captain Iker Casillas allowed four goals for the first time in 116 appearances for Spain. Neither David Villa nor Fernando Torres created any danger in attack.

"Our rivals are well-motivated to play against the world champion. But that shouldn't serve as an excuse," Del Bosque said. "We need to learn not to live off of the World Cup success."