Netherlands dominate Spain 5-1 in World Cup Group B
Reigning World Cup winners Spain are thrashed by Netherlands 5-1 in the first match of 2014 FIFA World Cup Group B.
The Netherlands handed reigning champions Spain a humiliating 5-1 loss on Friday in the first match of 2014 FIFA World Cup Group B.
The Netherlands' attacking midfielder Wesley Sneijder wasted a one-on-one chance against Spain's goalkeeper Iker Casillas just eight minutes into the game.
In 26th minute, 22-year-old Dutch center back Stefan De Vrij tripped Spain's forward Diego Costa in the box and Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli pointed the spot without hesitation. Xabi Alonso scored from penalty and made the score 1-0.
In 44th minute the Netherlands fought back with their forward Robin van Persie finding the net with a diving, looping header after his teammate Daley Blind's deadly cross from the half-way of the pitch, 1-1. First half ended as a draw.
The Netherlands were off to a flyer in the second half with their explosive winger Arjen Robben scoring the leading goal for his team. Robben past Spanish center back Gerard Pique in the box after trapping a long ball coming from his teammate Blind and put the ball in the back of the net, 2-1.
In 64th minute Dutch attacking midfielder Wesley Sneijder cut inside the area from a freekick and defender De Vrij found the net with a header at far post and made the score 3-1.
Red-hot Netherlands scored again with their forward Robin van Persie after Spanish goalkeeper Casillas miscontrolled the ball in the area in 72nd minute, 4-1.
In 80th minute Dutch winger Robben past Spanish centre-back Sergio Ramos and rounded goalkeeper Casillas in the box and increased the gap, 5-1.
In remaining minutes both teams missed goal opportunities before the final whistle was blown.
Scoring two goals for the Netherlands, Robin van Persie has been selected the man of the match.
