The Brazilian city of El Salvador has been honored to host one of the most anticipated matches of the World Cup group stage. On June 13, at the Fonte Nova stadium, which seats more than 50,000 spectators, a battle of football giants took place: Spain confronted the Netherlands.
The first 45 minutes of the game did not leave indifferent fans interested in quality football. Passion, skill, emotions - all this the audience could observe at the arena in El Salvador.
The first scoring chance happened at the gate of the Spaniards, but Sneijder was unable to realize his chance. The reigning world champions said their lucky word in the middle of the half. An excellent penetrating pass into the Dutch penalty area turned into Diego Costa's fall. The referee saw a violation of the rules and put the ball on the dot. The most experienced Xabi Alonso left no chance for the Netherlands goalkeeper. Spain led 1 - 0. It happened in the 27th minute.
After conceding a goal, the Netherlands national team perked up. The crowning achievement of the Dutch was the stunning ball of the top scorer of the World Cup qualifier Robin Van Persie. After a horse pass from the flank, the striker threw Casillas almost from the penalty line. 1 - 1 and all the Dutch are jubilant. This ball became the most beautiful in the first three matches.
The second half shocked 48,173 spectators in the stands. Some were insanely jubilant, others watched in horror what was happening. The Dutch destroyed Spain. Four unanswered goals against Casillas formed the final defeat of the Spaniards. The Netherlands won 5 - 1. Even the most daring bookmakers could not imagine such a result.
On 53 minutes, Arjen Robben scored the second goal after Blind's brilliant pass. Stephane de Vrey on 64 minutes with a standard head sent the ball into the net of the Spaniards. After 8 minutes, Van Persie took advantage of Casillas's mistake and made the score indecent. And the defeat was completed by Arjen Robben, who, on the 80th minute, made such a leap from the center of the field that Sergio Ramos himself, having an advantage in the distance, did not have time for the Dutchman. Robben "stripped" Spain's defense and made the score 5 - 1.
The outcome of the meeting is shocking. The failure, the "death" of the vaunted "Red Fury" on the field, lifted the Dutch to first place in the group with three points scored. The Spanish national team will have to rehabilitate not only in front of the fans, but also in front of themselves.
