The Netherlands routed Spain 5-1 in a rematch of the 2010 final that could scarcely have gone worse for the defending champions. After Xabi Alonso put Spain in front from the penalty spot midway through the first half, David Silva spurned a chance to make it 2-0 with a poorly executed chip. The Dutch made them pay for that wastefulness in front of goal by equalizing late in the first half when Robin van Persie looped a diving header past Iker Casillas following a long pass from one of the game's outstanding players, Daley Blind.

Eight minutes into the second half, Arjen Robben put the Dutch in front after pouncing on a long ball and eluding both Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique. As Spain chased the game, removing one of their two defensive midfielders to add an attacker, the Dutch poured forward, turning the game into a rout. The defender Stefan de Vrij scored in a goalmouth scramble and then both Robben and van Persie scored again.

It was a dream start for the Netherlands, who now seize control of a tough group. For Spain, even qualifying for the next round will be a fight, and if they finish second in the group, their reward will most likely be a game against the hosts, Brazil in the round of 16.

Questions will now be asked about the decision of Spain's coach to start with a Brazilian-born striker, Diego Costa, who has barely played for his adopted national side before returning home for the World Cup. Full story »