In what might be one of the most exciting games of the competition thus far, Netherlands came from behind to cast revenge with their 5-1 win against Spain earlier today. The game started off slowly, but Alonso gave the the Spanish the lead from the spot just under the 30-minute mark, after Costa was brought down in the area and got himself a penalty kick score.
Possibly the most important goal of the game came from Netherlands just before halftime, as Van Persie spotted Casillas away from his line and diverted a header over the keeper, making the score 1-1. Talk about a ridiculous dive.
And it just kept coming after that.
Robben was the player to put Netherlands ahead shortly after the restart, after the Munich player kept his composure in the area and cleverly slotted the ball into the back of the net. Around 10 minutes later, De Vrig managed to grab a goal by taking on a free header at the back post to make it 3-1.
When it seemed like matters couldn’t get much worse for Spain, Van Persie built on a woeful mistake from Casillas to tap the ball into an empty goal. Despite RVP being substituted, Robben made the most of his dominance by taking the ball through the most part of Spain’s defensive half, turning back in the penalty area and finding a gap through the remaining players.
Although the final score was 5-1, it could have easily been more.
Next up for Netherlands in Group B fixtures is Australia on Wednesday, while Spain battles Chile the same day.
Van Persie believes he can fly, no R. Kelly.