Shock at the World Cup: Netherlands Rout Spain 5-1 in Stunning Opening Match
Who could have predicted such a humiliating start to Spain’s World Cup campaign? On Friday evening in Brazil, the reigning world champions were dismantled by the Netherlands in a staggering 5-1 defeat that sent shockwaves through the footballing world.
Spain took an early lead in the 31st minute when Xabi Alonso converted a penalty awarded under controversial circumstances after Diego Costa appeared to go down under a challenge. Replays raised doubts about whether the Atletico Madrid striker was truly fouled.
However, the Dutch refused to be intimidated. Just before halftime, Robin van Persie rose to meet a precise deep cross from Daley Blind, heading past a helpless Iker Casillas to level the score at 1-1.
The second half saw a complete collapse by Spain. The Netherlands surged ahead in the 53rd minute as Blind found Arjen Robben inside the box. The Bayern Munich forward’s skilful dribbling culminated in a superb strike to the top corner, putting the Dutch 2-1 up.
Shortly after, in the 64th minute, a clever free kick delivery by Wesley Sneijder found Stefan de Vrij at the far post, who tapped in to extend the lead to 3-1. Spain’s woes deepened in the 74th minute when a rare error by goalkeeper Casillas allowed Van Persie to score his second of the evening, making it 4-1.
Robben completed the demolition in the 80th minute, capitalizing on another defensive lapse and a slip from Casillas to seal a commanding 5-1 victory.
This emphatic win gave Louis van Gaal’s side a measure of revenge for their 2010 World Cup final loss to Spain and sets them on course to qualify for the next stage after facing Australia next. Meanwhile, Vicente del Bosque’s team face a must-win clash against Chile to keep their hopes alive.
Watch all six goals from this unforgettable match here:
-
Alonso’s controversial penalty:
[youtube]http://youtu.be/uz3qgMZQsvw[/youtube] -
Van Persie’s equalizer:
[youtube]http://youtu.be/VKDwzlw4bic[/youtube] -
Robben’s opening goal:
[youtube]http://youtu.be/RJEfO83xFHk[/youtube] -
De Vrij’s strike:
[youtube]http://youtu.be/tNz3vaFCJyo[/youtube] -
Van Persie’s second goal:
[youtube]http://youtu.be/za5GnGjPU0w[/youtube] -
Robben’s second goal:
[youtube]http://youtu.be/q8CT0PnGiOo[/youtube]