The Netherlands Thump Spain

Netherlands gained sweet revenge for defeat in the 2010 World Cup final by trouncing Spain 5-1 in the opening fixture of Group B in Salvador.

 

The upshot was one of the World Cup’s most startling results.

 

This staggering result will go to records the same way previous results that saw Argentina’s losing to Cameroon in 1990 and France succumbing to Senegal in Seoul 12 years later is remembered.

 

Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso gave Spain the lead from the penalty spot after Diego Costa was brought down by Stefan de Vrij.

 

David Silva should have doubled their lead shortly after being played through by Andres Iniesta but the Manchester City midfielder's delicate chip was slapped away by Holland’s goalkeeper.

 

Few minute before break, Daley Blind's floated long pass was met in the air by Robin Van Persie who equalized for Netherlands with a brilliant diving header.

 

Dutch were then fired in front at the start of the second half by Arjen Robben before Van Persie rattled the Spanish crossbar with a ferocious strike from just outside the area.

 

De Vrij then atoned for his earlier foul on Brazil-born Costa to make it 3-1 just after the hour mark following Sneijder's free-kick that Casilas failed to clear.

 

A horrible blander by Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas enabled van Persie to make it four in the72nd minute before Robben round off the scoring eight minutes later, after bursting clear of the Spanish defense

 

In 64 years of World Cup finals, this is Spain's worst at the group stages, a result that now leaves little room for error for the reigning champion's remaining group games against Chile and Australia.

 

The famous ‘tiki-taka’ style that has been the team's hallmark for the last six years Spain has dominated international football was rendered useless against well-organized and ruthless Dutch side.

 

Substitute Fernando Torres had mockery all over the social site had a late penalty after he took too long to convert what appeared a simple chance from three yards out

 

Dutch coach Louis van Gaal said his side will take great confidence having overcome the team that beat them in finals in Johannesburg four years ago

 

"This is a nice start, but we have nothing. If we do not win our next game against Australia we have made no progress, but now we are obviously in a good position." Said Van Gaal

 

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque who lamented his side's performance refused to apportion any blame on any player from his side but.

 

"We must recognize our mistakes, but everyone fought for a better result," Del Bosque said

 

"I am aware that it is a very delicate time for us. Together we have to try to solve it for the next match against Chile and look for the win." He added

 

In other matches played Australia were humbled 3 goals to 1 by Chile from goals by Alexis Sanchez, Jorge Valdivia and substitute Jean Beausejour.

 

Australia’s consolation goal was scored by Tim Cahill from a trademark header after 35 minutes.

 

In the early kickoff, Mexico overcame Cameroon in a 1-0 result with Oribe Peralta scoring the only goal of the game.

 

Two Dos Santos, goals were wrongly disallowed in the controversial fixture.

 

The win put Mexico second in Group A behind leaders Brazil which triumphed 3-1 on Thursday in Sao Paulo. Cameroon, unimpressive and soundly beaten, is third above Croatia

 

Saturday fixture: Colombia vs. Greece (7:00 pm)

 

Uruguay vs. Costa Rica (10:00 pm)

 

England vs. Italy (1:00 am)

 

By Morgan Mueke

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