Spain v Netherlands Review

The two finalists from the 2010 World Cup took each other on in the opener of Group B. Spain got off to a big of a slow start but were thrust back into the game with a controversial refereeing decision. However, the Netherlands were able to step up the pressue

Stefan de Vrij caught Diego Costa with his trailing leg. Costa looked to go down easily but any time you slide tackle in your own box you have to be especially careful. Three games. Three refereeing controversies.

Costa goes down

Xabi Alonso stepped up and buried his shot into the bottom left corner.

Xabi convert

Spain were still in control of possession but the Netherlands looked dangerous on the counter attack. Just before halftime Robin van Persie scored the early favorite for goal of the tournament as his diving header leveled the match. Van Persie latched on to the end of Daley Blind's ball of the top to level the game. Then van Persie executed one of the worst high five attempts in World Cup history.

What an amazing goal!

Followed by a terrible high five

The second half feature more control from Spain and more brilliant counter attacking from Netherlands. Blind struck again with another great pass as he unleashed Arjen Robben. Robben weaved through the Spanish defense to give his team the lead.

For the holders, it was all down hill from their as the Dutch went on to score three more goals. The first was Stefan de Vrij after a free kick from Wesley Sneijder The second after Iker Casillas gave the ball away and van Persie poked it home. The final goal came as Sneijder sent up a ball for Robben, which he took past Sergio Ramos, around Casillas and dribbled through the box before slotting home. Spain looked lost after van Persie tied the match just before halftime. It was like a fighter getting punched in the face and never beeng able to regain his composure.

Takeaways:
Man of the Match: Arjen Robben
Robben and van Persie were both on top of their game. Robben was great playing through the middle as opposed to his normal position on the wing. He was dynamic throughout the match and Spain simply could cope. Robben's speed provided that extra bit on both of his goals as he was able to glide past the Spanish defense.

Blind was impressive with his diagonal through balls. The Ajax fullback seemed to enjoy playing in an advanced position and he took full advantage.

Diego Costa was toothless in attack for Spain after drawing the early PK. He heard the boo birds all night after choosing to play for Spain over his native Brazil internationally. Costa has only played for Spain a few times but he hasn't quite been able to link up with his teammates.

Costa might also be missing the next game after he appeared to headbutt Bruno Martins Indi.

No one played well for La Furia Roja tonight, but Casillas was especially bad. He frequently misjudged the time to dive and play the ball and his mishit lead direly to the fourth Dutch goal.

The defeat was the largest ever for a defending World Cup champion.

Whats next:
The Netherlands takes on underdog Australia on June 18 at Noon EST.
Spain look to bounce back against Chile on June 18 at 3 pm EST.