World Cup 2014: Spain 1-5 Netherlands (13 June 2014)

Post by Boyz_ed on Saturday, June 14, 2014

 

World Cup 2014: Spain 1-5 Netherlands (13 June 2014)

1' And we're away. A huge early test for this new-look Netherlands side here.

26' Penalty to Spain! Costa is put through again, again he delays his shot, but after cutting inside De Vrij, he's brought down by the defender's trailing leg. A clear decision, and it's Xabi Alonso to take it...

28' GOAL! And Alonso makes no mistake, placing it right in the bottom corner with ease. Spain have the lead, and the Netherlands are chasing the game already.

44' What a goal! Holland are level and it's a rudimentary goal finished with the utmost grace. A long ball finds Robin van Persie in the clear and he meets it with a remarkable diving header with the grace of Nijinsky, sending the ball sailing over Casillas and into the back of the net. You will not see a more elegant headed goal in your lifetime.

52' GOAL! Holland take the lead! Arjen Robben scores a fantastic goal. He's picked out by a marvellous pass and backs away from Sergio Ramos at the right time, but he's then inexplicably allowed to turn onto his left foot when clean through. He does so, then slides the ball just past the wrong side of Casillas, who is once again helpless. Spain are stunned.

65' GOAL! It's 3-1 to Holland! A free-kick from out wide on the left was taken by Sneijder, and almost drifted straight in, going right over Casillas and eventually being just about forced over by De Vrij at the back post. The holders are in serious trouble already.

72' GOAL! This is incredible! The holders aren't just losing, they're getting torn to pieces. It's 4-1, it's Van Persie again, and the Dutch fans are delirious with delight. It's a shocking mistake from Casillas, who is having a nightmare here - an awful touch while attempting to play out presents it to Van Persie, and he pounces before prodding it over the line. Spain have completely imploded here.

79' GOAL! It's 5-1! Are we really seeing this? It's Robben again,an incredible run and counter-attack. He collects a long pass, darts between two defenders, cuts back inside, leaves Casillas in a heap on the floor, and just when it looks like he might have taken too long, he shrugs off another defender, then with three Spain players standing on the line to block, he absolutely leathers it into the roof of the net. Casillas is again a spectator, and Holland are absolutely rampant. This is sensational.

90+4' And that is the final whistle. We have our first 'I was there' moment at the World Cup. Spain aren't out yet, but how do they possibly recover from this? They were ripped to pieces by a side that ought to be inferior to them in almost every department. Van Persie and Robben were sensational, and the Champions' defence simply couldn't get near them all evening. I think I need a lie down.