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World Cup | Group Stage
Jun 13, 2014 at 8pm UK
 
NN

1-5

Alonso (27' pen.)
FT(HT: 1-1)
van Persie (44', 72'), Robben (53', 80'), de Vrij (64')

Player Ratings: Spain 1-5 Netherlands

:Headline: Player Ratings: Spain 1-5 Netherlands: ID:159748: from db_amp
Sports Mole looks at which players impressed in Netherlands' 5-1 win over Spain in Group B's opening fixture of the 2014 World Cup.

Netherlands got their 2014 World Cup Group B campaign off to a winning start this evening with an incredible 5-1 win over world and European champions Spain.

A Xabi Alonso penalty had moved Spain ahead after 27 minutes, but braces from Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben, in addition to a Stefan de Vrij header, saw the Dutch pick up all three points in stunning fashion.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed during an incredible 90 minutes in Bahia.


SPAIN

Goal

Iker Casillas: Had a horror for the Dutch's third, with the Real Madrid goalkeeper taking too long on the ball, allowing Van Persie to nip in and score his second of the match. The stopper did make some smart saves late on, but fundamental errors cost his side at vital moments. (4/10)

Defence

Cesar Azpilicueta: Got forward whenever possible, certainly in the first period, but was hardly seen as an attacking threat in the second half with Netherlands taking control of the ball. (6/10)

Sergio Ramos: Entered the tournament off the back of a fine season with Real Madrid, but he looked nervy at times this evening, with Robben's pace and Van Persie's movement too much for the centre-back. (6/10)

Gerard Pique: Caught out for Netherlands' first two goals, it was a disappointing night for Pique on his return to the XI. Sloppy in possession. (5/10)

Jordi Alba: Like Azpilicueta, did his best to break forward in the first half, but his influence faded as the match progressed. Probably the best of the Spain back four, however. (6/10)

Midfield

Xabi Alonso: Scored the first-half penalty and showed his passing ability in the first period, but was subbed just past the hour mark as Vicente del Bosque looked for more of an attacking threat. (6/10)

Xavi: Controlled the tempo for stages of the first period and while his passing completion was impressive, the experienced midfielder did not have much of an influence on the match. (5/10)

Sergio Busquets: Another that was blown away by Robben's pace. Started at the base of the midfield, but did not provide too much protection to his back four. (5/10)

Attack

Andres Iniesta: The best of a bad bunch for Spain. Delivered some telling passes in the first period and was ever available, but his influence faded as La Roja dropped deeper and deeper late on. (7/10)

Diego Costa: Won the penalty for Spain on his first competitive start for La Roja, but tired as the match progressed. Perhaps also lucky to remain on the field following a clash with Dutch centre-back Bruno Martins Indi. (6/10)

David Silva: Missed a glaring chance moments before Netherlands equalised late in the first period. It might have been a different story had his effort found the back of the net. Struggled to influence proceedings for long spells. (6/10)

Substitutes

Fernando Torres: Entered just past the hour mark in place of Costa, but missed a glaring chance late on after finding space inside the Dutch box. Another disappointing showing. (4/10)

Pedro: Arrived alongside Torres after 62 minutes, but the Barcelona attacker struggled to make his influence known. Might well get a start in the Chile clash if Del Bosque changes formation. (5/10)

Cesc Fabregas: Replaced Silva after 78 minutes, but the Chelsea midfielder had little time to make an impact. (5/10)


NETHERLANDS

Goal

Jasper Cillessen: Preferred to Tim Krul between the sticks, Cillessen had a fine evening. He made a crucial save to deny Silva late in the first period, while his distribution was also extremely impressive. (7/10)

Defence

Daryl Janmaat: Steady performance from the defender, who stood up well to the physical challenge posed by Costa and offered a threat down the other end. Another that was full of energy. (7/10)

Ron Vlaar: Solid as a rock at the heart of the defence. Aston Villa supporters will be wanting to see more of that next season. It was a proper performance from the centre-back. (8/10)

Stefan de Vrij: Gave away first-half penalty on Costa, but responded by scoring his side's third in the second period. An eventful but positive night for the defender. (7/10)

Bruno Martins Indi: Further enhanced his glowing reputation with a solid performance in defence. Aerially dominant and calm in possession. (8/10)

Daley Blind: Two assists capped what was a brilliant display from the wing-back. In particular, his pass for Van Persie's first was just sublime. Exceptional performance from the 24-year-old. (8/10)

Midfield

Nigel de Jong: Overcame a shaky start to play a key role in the middle of the park. Hounded Xavi and Xabi Alonso as he kept things ticking over in central areas. (7/10)

Jonathan de Guzman: Slightly untidy in possession and was booked for a poor first-half challenge on Andres Iniesta. Replaced just past the hour mark. (5/10)

Wesley Sneijder: Missed a glaring chance early on after facing up to Iker Casillas, but produced two second-half assists to help his team. Classy performance from the experienced midfielder. (7/10)

Attack

Robin van Persie: Another two goals for the Dutch skipper. His first was a sensational header, while he showed intelligence to nab the ball from Casillas when scoring his second. Led the line superbly. (9/10)

Arjen Robben: Completely ran the match. Spain simply could not deal with the Bayern Munich winger, who scored twice in the second half and could have had a hat-trick late on but for a brilliant save from Casillas. (9/10)

Substitutes

Georginio Wijnaldum: Replaced De Guzman just past the hour mark and contributed to his side's all-action style. Bright introduction. (6/10)

Joel Veltman: Replaced De Vrij with little over 10 minutes remaining and steadied the ship in defensive areas. (6/10)

Jeremain Lens: Had a chance to score late on following a mix-up in the Spain box, but was denied by Casillas. Bright 10-minute showing from the attacker. (6/10)


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