World Cup: Defending champions Spain annihilated by Netherlands

3807 days ago

#2014 World Cup, #Spain, #Netherlands, #Robin van Persie, #Arjen Robben

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World Cup: Defending champions Spain annihilated by Netherlands

Defending champions Spain were destroyed by Netherlands by an unbelievable 5-1 in the repeat of 2010 World cup final.

The match, which was dubbed as the "Match of the Group Stage", started off with the usual story: Spain dominating the possession. And possession football seemed to have worked as Diego Costa was bundled inside the penalty area and consequently Spain were awarded a penalty. Xabi Alonso slotted home the penalty to give the defending champions a perfect start. But just one minute before the half time, Robin van Persie conjured a moment of magic to score a marvelous goal.

The 2nd half was all about Netherlands as they plundered the Spanish defence time and again. Arjen Robben gave the Dutch the lead with a composed finish and then Stefan de Vrij bundled home the third from a set piece. van Persie and Robben scored two more to complete the rout of the defending champions.

Earlier in a Group A match, Mexico defeated Cameroon 1-0 to keep pace with the hosts Brazil, who won last night by 3-1 against Croatia.