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Van Persie, Rubben, both scored Twice as Netherland Trash Spain 5-1

Published

11 years ago

June 13, 2014

Stunning goals from Dutch captain Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben ensured an awful start to Spain’s World Cup defence as the Netherlands destroyed one of the tournament favourites 5-1 in their World Cup Group B match at the Fonte Nova arena in Salvador on Friday.
In complete contrast to the tetchy World Cup final between the sides in 2010 which Spain won 1-0, the Dutch took sweet revenge with a vibrant display capped off by two goals each for Van Persie and Robben and one by defender Stefan de Vrij.
“I certainly didn’t expect this result but I did expect us to score in the way we did,” Dutch coach Louis van Gaal told reporters.
“Spain were always going to come at us and we catch them on the counter. My players did it perfectly. It’s far better than we ever expected,” Dutch coach Louis van Gaal told reporters.
Only once before had Spain conceded five times in a World Cup game, on Brazilian turf in 1950 in a 6-1 loss to the hosts. The Dutch mauling at Salvador’s Fonte Nova arena was also the worst ever start for defending world champions.
“I can’t find words to explain five goals,” Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said.
“We have never been a very defensive side but always coped well defending. Today we’ve been very weak.
“We kept on fighting but they were physically stronger as the game went on and that made a difference… It is now a delicate situation for us which we will and try and overcome in our next game against Chile and then see what happens.”
Spain, also 2008 and 2012 European champions, had been expected to dictate proceedings with their slick passing style and normal service looked to be established when a coolly converted 27th-minute Xabi Alonso penalty gave them the lead.
Van Gaal had set his Dutch side up to press and look for the quick ball and it paid dividends just before the break in spectacular fashion when Van Persie equalised superbly.
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