Two goals each by Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben helped the Netherlands destroy world and European champions Spain 5-1 in a sensational World Cup Group B opener in a repeat of the 2010 final.
Spain went ahead with a 27th-minute Xabi Alonso penalty but Dutch captain Van Persie equalised with an audacious diving. The Netherlands, playing with swagger and working tirelessly to close down the holders, went ahead when Robben pulled down a long ball from Daley Blind, delivered his trademark cutback and swept the ball home. Stefan de Vrij bundled in the third, Van Persie, who also crashed a shot against the bar, got the fourth following a blunder by Spain keeper Iker Casillas and Robben completed the amazing victory.
Post a Comment