Fans Shocked as Netherlands Thrash Spain 5-1 in Their World Cup Opener

Fans Shocked as Netherlands Thrash Spain 5-1 in Their World Cup Opener (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

[ Check out photos from the Group B matchup between Spain and the Netherlands ]

Spain's fans were shocked and disappointed after the World Cup defending champions were trounced by the Netherlands 5-1 in their opening match in Brazil on Friday (June 13). Stunning goals from Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben fired the Netherlands to a 5-1 demolition of Spain who endured a miserable start to their World Cup defence in a pulsating Group B game.

Stunning goals from Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben fired the Netherlands to a 5-1 demolition of Spain who endured a miserable start to their World Cup defense in a pulsating Group B game.

In complete contrast to the 2010 World Cup final between the sides in 2010 which Spain won 1-0, the Dutch took sweet revenge with a vibrant display capped off by two goals each for Van Persie and Robben and one by defender Stefan de Vrij. Only once before had Spain conceded five goals in a World Cup game, on Brazilian turf in 1950 in a 6-1 loss to the hosts. The Dutch mauling at Salvador's Fonte Nova arena was also the worst ever start for defending world champions.

"Catastrophic really, very bad, they aren't there, they are too slow, they are tired, I don't know what's wrong with them, they can't cope at the moment," Jose Manuel at the fan zone in Madrid said. "Clearly their time is over, they have to start thinking about giving younger players, like Koke, a chance but also the important thing is not how you start but how you end." Javier another supporter of Spain said.

Spain, also 2008 and 2012 European champions, had been expected to dictate proceedings with their slick passing style and normal service looked to be established when a coolly converted 27th-minute Xabi Alonso penalty gave them the lead. Van Gaal had set his Dutch side up to press and look for the quick ball and it paid dividends just before the break in spectacular fashion when Van Persie equalised superbly. From then the tables were turned and Spain endured a further 4 goals from the Dutch side leaving Spanish players and fans shocked.

"Fans Shocked as Netherlands Thrash Spain 5-1 in Their World Cup Opener "

Fans Shocked as Netherlands Thrash Spain 5-1 in Their World Cup Opener

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