Holders Spain were humiliated 1-5 by the Netherlands in the first match of Group B in the 2014 FIFA World Cup at the Arena Fonte Nova here Friday.
In a repeat of the 2010 South Africa finals, Spain failed to contain the Dutch counter attack play and were decimated in the second half.
Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso opened the scoring with a 27th penalty.
It was a Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben show after that. Van Persie equalised in the 44th minute with a brilliant diving header while Robben's mesmerising skills helped him give the Dutch the lead in the 53rd minute.
Van Persie made it 3-1 in the 72nd minute and Robben grabbed his brace in the 80th minute.
Stefan de Vrij also got his name on the scoresheet in the 65th minute, bundling in a corner.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
