The Netherlands garnered a spectacular dose of revenge for their World Cup final loss to Spain four years ago by kicking off their 2014 campaign with a thrilling and resounding 5-1 win over the world champions in Salvador.
It was a match that could not have been in sharper contrast to the dour affair in Johannesburg. This time the Netherlands came to play and after going down to a Xabi Alonso penalty following a foul on Diego Costa they crudely exposed the deficiencies in Spain’s backline and particularly with their goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
Robin van Persie equalized before half-time with a sumptuously directed header from 15 yards. From another majestic ball over the top of Spain’s straying back line from Daley Blind, Arjen Robben put the Dutch in front shortly after the interval. Having conceded two goals in a major tournament for the first time since their dominance of the international arena began in 2008, Spain were rattled. They were soon to concede two more as defeat turned to ignominy and Dutch joy turned to glee.
Casillas came and failed to get to a free-kick, although had a strong claim for a free-kick for Van Persie’s challenge, before Stefan de Vrij looked the most surprised man on the pitch to have bundled in his first goal for his country. Things then went from bad to worse for Spain’s goalkeeper, who has remained No.1 for his country, despite not having been so for his club for 18 months. Van Persie caught him in possession and poked the ball into the empty net to seal the win with 18 minutes remaining. That still proved enough time for the brilliant Robben to run clear and fire the ball into the net for his second and the Netherlands’ fifth.
