Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben both scored twice as the Netherlands avenged their 2010 World Cup final defeat by routing holders Spain 5-1 on Friday in a record-breaking humiliation.
As well as it being the worst ever mauling inflicted at a World Cup on the reigning champions, it was the worst defeat suffered by Spain in more than half a century, coming 51 years after a 6-2 defeat to Scotland in 1963.
Manchester United striker van Persie produced a stunning first-half header and slotted home the Netherlands’ fourth.
Not to be outdone, Bayern Munich star Robben scored two second-half goals with Stefan De Vrij compounding the misery for Vicente del Bosque’s world and European champions.
Veteran midfielder Xabi Alonso gave the Spanish a first-half lead when he drilled home a penalty after a foul on Brazilian-born striker Diego Costa, who was jeered constantly by local fans.
But van Persie’s diving header 90 seconds from the break put the Dutch level before goals by Robben, centre-back de Vrij and Persie again completed the rout.
The Netherlands triumvirate of Robben, van Persie and Wesley Sneijder caused the Spanish defence all manner of problems, but it was Daley Blind’s superb long passes which created their two opening goals.
Netherland Goals:
Robin van Persie 2
Arjen Robben 2
Stefan De Vrij 1
Spain Goals:
Xabi Alonso 1
South Africa Today Sport – Football News – Netherlands vs Spain – Football