The Dutch soccer team rallied from a one goal deficit early to handily defeat the Spaniards, as Holland (the Netherland) routed Spain, 5-1, in Group B action of the 2014 World Cup at Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil, on June 13. Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie scored two goals apiece to lead the Dutch to three points.
Robben’s two goals came in the second half, helping the Netherlands to blowout the Spaniards in the opening match for both teams. Robben’s first goal in the 53rd minute proved to be the game winner. His second goal in the 80th minute, a mere formality, gave the Dutch team a 5-1 lead.
The match became out of reach in the 72nd minute, when Robin van Persie’s foot found the back of the net to give Holland a 4-1 lead and sealed the deal for an opening match victory for the Netherlands.
Just eight minutes earlier, Stefan de Vrij gave the Dutch some breathing room with a header guiding the ball into the net from the right side of the goal.
Xabi Alonso scored Spain’s only goal in the first half, which came on a penalty kick in the 27th minute.
The equalizer came about 17 minutes later, when van Persie flew threw the air like a missile and directed the goal into the back of the net with a perfectly-executed header.
Holland had 11 shots on goal and 13 overall; Spain only mustered four shots on goal and nine total shots despite possessing the ball for 59 percent of the match.
Officials issued three yellow cards to the Dutch, who also had 18 fouls and five offside calls.
The Spaniards were issued only one yellow card and committed just five fouls; they also had four corner kicks compared to just one for The Netherlands.
Spain next plays Chile while Holland faces Australia. Both matches are on June 18.
