Salvador (Brazil): Spain crashed to their heaviest defeat in 51 years as Netherlands celebrated an extraordinary 5-1 victory over the defending champions in a Group B contest of the FIFA World Cup here on Friday.
The Dutch side toyed with the holders to avenge their 2010 World Cup final defeat in Johannesburg as Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben both scored twice. Stefan De Vrij was the third scorer for the Dutch side in a dramatic contest.
It is worst defeat for Spain since a 6-2 thrashing at the hands of Scotland in 1963. It is also the first time since 2002 that defending champions have lost the opening game.
In the later match Chile scored an impressive 3-1 win over Australia in another Group B contest at Cuiaba.
Chile’s win means that Spain’s title defence has become even tougher as it will be a challenge for them to cross the first round and even if they do so, they may have to contend with Brazil in the round of 16.
The stunning Dutch victory also eclipsed the controversy surrounding the match officials for their continued dubious decision making. For the second day in a row, a controversial penalty was awarded in the match between the top sides as Spain benefited to take a 1-0 lead.
Referee Nicola Rizzoli ruled that Diego Costa had been fouled by De Vrij and Xabi Alonso had no problem in slotting the shot past Dutch goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.
A stunning header from Manchester United forward van Persie, 90 seconds before the break, on a pass by Daley Blind brought the sides on level terms and what followed in the second half was complete Dutch domination.
Eight minutes into the second half, Blind fed striker Robben, who beat two rival defenders to give his side a 2-1 lead. Centre-half De Vrij threw the World champions in a tizzy as got his name on the scoresheet by heading one home in the 64th minute.
Robin van Persie made it 4-1 as Iker Casillas was guilty of mishandling a backpass and the Dutch skipper easily tackled him to get his second goal of the match.
Robben completed the Spanish misery after receiving a pass as he tore apart the Spanish defence, bamboozled Casillas, and slammed a left-footer in.
Chile’s impressive win was set up by early strikes from Alexis Sanchez and Jorge Valdivia.
Tim Cahill pulled one back for the Socceroos but the South Americans kept a tight grip over the contest. Jean Beausejour’s injury-time sealed the victory for Chile. (Agencies)