A Dutch masterclass tore apart the European and World champions in Salvador as goals from Robin van Persie, Stefan de Vrij and Arjen Robben sealed an emphatic win for Oranje.
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| Simply unbelievable. |
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The match was expected to be a tight affair, just like the final four years ago in Soccer City. However, after the first half, it was anything but.
There were early warning signs as Arjen Robben slipped a pass through for Wesley Sneijder after eight minutes who shot straight at Iker Casillas. Then Spain took control of the game as Andres Iniesta and Diego Costa both blazed off target. In the 27th minute, Xavi passed through the Netherlands defence to Diego Costa, who was adjudged to be fouled by Stefan de Vrij. Replays showed, however, that the striker trod on the defenders leg. Xabi Alonso stepped up to calmly slot past an otherwise impressive Cilessen, becoming the first Real Madrid player to score in the World Cup for Spain since 2006 in the process.
Nigel De Jong and David Silva both had decent efforts saved at either end before the goal of the tournament so far took place. The ball was picked up by Dutch left back Daley Blind on the halfway line, who threaded a 45 yard inch perfect cross to Robin Van Persie, the skipper superbly lobbing Casillas with his head from 16 yards out, an incredible goal.
Andres Iniesta started the second half by testing a busy Cilessen before Arjen Robben superbly controlled a lobbed through pass and twisted inside Gerard Pique to smash into the net. A minute later, Chelsea striker Diego Costa was very lucky to have his headbutt on Bruno Martins Indi go unseen by the referee. Robin van Persie then struck the crossbar with a sublime weak foot volley in the 60th minute. Spain ringed the changes, bringing on Fernando Torres and Pedro Rodriguez for Diego Costa and scorer Alonso. The Dutch replaced the already booked Jonathan de Guzman with Wijnaldum.
The Netherlands then extended their lead when Stefan de Vrij headed in at the back post from a Wesley Sneijder free kick. Moments later, Spain had the ball in the net but David Silva was offside when he tapped in. Robin van Persie was hungry for a second goal of the night, and tested Casillas in the 69th minute before Casillas inexplicably miscontrolled a backpass to a rampaging van Persie, who poked in from in the area to seal Spain’s fate. Arjen Robben then put the icing on the cake in the 80th minute when he beat Raos for sheer pace to latch on to a pass and round an embarrased and desperate Casillas to grab his second of the tournament. Robben could have had a hat-trick when he exquisetly blasted a goal bound volley from 25 yards out which Casillas saved in the 87th minute.
To rub salt in the wounds for Spain, a distracted and depressed Fernando Torres miskicked an open chance with the net at his mercy from a yard out in the closing stages.
Match Breakdown
Possession: Spain 64% Netherlands 36%
Shots: Spain 10, Netherlands 14
Man of the Match – Arjen Robben
Flop of the Match – Iker Casillas
Spain Defence a Real Worry for Del Bosque
Can Holland Go All The Way This Time
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Personal Verdict: “This is the best football match I have seen in months. I absolutely loved it and was priveleged to be chosen to report on this game, Let’s hope for many more like this. Over to to you England.”
This Group B opener sees Netherlands to the top of the table while Spain are rock bottom with a horrible -4 goal difference.
If Netherlands and other underdogs keep providing us with such treats, this will be the greatest World Cup of recent memory.
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