[World Cup] Spain trashed by The Netherlands

The Netherlands thoroughly dismantled the defending World Cup and two-time European champions Spain on Friday, 5-1.

It was a shocking result for La Furia Roja, who many expect will defend their World Cup triumph of South Africa.

Instead, the Oranje, who were defeated by Spain in the 2010 final during extra time, scored five unanswered goals after falling behind early.

Spain struck first when Diego Costa earned a penalty thanks to some reckless Dutch defending.

Alonso stepped up and coolly fired low to beat Oranje goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.

Costa won the penalty when he was tripped by Stefan de Vrij.

Robin van Persie equalised for the Dutch with an absolutely stunning headed goal in added time in the waning moments of the first half. Daley Blind picked out Van Persie with a long cross, and the Manchester United man headed over Iker Casillas to put things level at 1-1.

Arjen Robben put the Oranje ahead with a deft bit of skill to control a long ball and beat Casillas.

De Vrij earned a bit of redemption for conceding the early penalty by being in the right place at the right time to tap in the Netherlands’ third goal after a mix-up in the Spanish back line.

Van Persie put the finishing touches on a clinical display when he pounced on a poor touch from Casillas to put Netherlands in full control with a three-goal lead over the team that defeated them in the final four years ago.

And just when things couldn’t get worse for La Furia Roja, Robben got his second to put the Dutch four (!) goals ahead of the defending champions.

Source: bleacherreport Photo by Telegraph