FIFA World Cup: Netherlands gives 5-1 thrashing to Spain  

SALVADOR: Two goals each by Dutch strikers Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben helped Netherlands beat defending World Champions Spain 5-1 in their FIFA World Cup match at Salvador, ARY News reports.

It is said that revenge is a dish best served cold and it was the Dutch side which went rampant on the Spaniards in their match last night. The two sides met for the first time since the final of 2010 FIFA World Cup in which Spain beat Netherlands 1-0.

It is the heaviest defeat for Spain since their 6-2 loss to Scotland in 1963.

Spain took the lead in the 27th minute after the team was awarded a controversial penalty kick by Italian referee Nicola Rizoli after Stefan de Vrij questionably fouled striker Diego Costa. Xabi Alonso netted the ball to make it 1-0 for the World Champions.

The Spanish side wasted a chance to double their lead in the 41st minute when David Silva’s attempt on goal was saved by Dutch keeper Jasper Cillessen.

Captain Robin Van Persie equalized the scoreline for the runners up of the last World Cup three minutes later scoring a beautiful diving header after a lob pass by Daley Blind. The goal brought the side back  into the game.

Blind’s second assist was also converted into a goal by striker Robben in the 53rd minute.

Things went from bad to worse to the defending champions afterde Vrij netted the third for Nertherlands in the 65th minute.

Casillas was having a nightmare of a day as a Captain after his mistake led to Van Persie making it 4-1 for his side. Even the casual fans of the sport could not believe that defending world champions could be displaying such performance in their first match of the mega event.

Robben sealed the game after making it 5-1 in the 80th minute after creating enough space to dodge the keeper and netting the ball in the six yard box.