Tottenham Hotspur attacker Andros Townsend has claimed that last night's World Cup clash between Spain and Netherlands could have turned out very differently had David Silva not passed up the chance to send La Roja into a 2-0 lead late in the first period.

Spain took a 27th-minute lead in the Group B clash through Xabi Alonso, but the Dutch levelled late in the first period, before scoring four more times in the second half to secure a 5-1 win.

However, Silva missed a glorious opportunity for the holders moments before Robin van Persie's equaliser, and Townsend has picked out that chance as the decisive moment in the match.

"If David Silva scores the dink to make it 2-0 in first half Spain could of won by 4 or 5 goals #finemargins," he tweeted.

Townsend did not make the England squad for this summer's competition.