Brazil 2014: Netherlands humiliates Spain in 5-1 Revenge Victory
By Opeyemi Oladunjoye
The Netherlands thrashed Spain 5-1 Friday in a measure of revenge for its 2010 loss to the trophy defenders in the World Cup final.
Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben both scored twice and defender Stefan de Vrij grabbed his first international goal in a humiliating defeat for a Spain team that has won its last three major tournaments.
The victory – which is the greatest against Spain in the world tourney since a 6-1 defeat to Brazil in 1950 – was particularly sweet for Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal, who was criticized for his decision to play five defenders against Spain but insisted the formation had attacking potential as well as nullifying Spain’s fluent passing game.
The game started well for Spain, with Xabi Alonso converting a 27th minute penalty but went downhill fast after Van Persie tied the game with an unbelievable looping header shortly before half time.
The final goal came after Robben weaved around Casillas — who was crawling on the grass in desperation — and fired into the open net.
Spain coach, Vicente Del Bosque sat stony faced on his bench at full time, while Van Gaal walked onto the pitch to hug his players.
“This is a very delicate moment for us, and all of us have to find a way to solve it,” Del Bosque said.
Spain lost its first match in 2010, and they still have a good chance to get out of the group stage if they can defeat Chile and Australia.