At the final whistle Daryl Janmaat fell to the turf and kissed it, lying there in disbelief. This was astonishing, barely believable. Four years ago, Holland had lost the World Cup final to Spain. Now, they had humiliated them. They had scored five; they could have scored more.
Spain 1:5 Netherlands Match Highlights
Mexico overcome heavy rain, Cameroon
Mexico got just rewards for their attacking intent when Oribe Peralta's 61st minute strike gave them a 1-0 win over Cameroon in their World Cup opener at a rain-saturated Dunas arena on Friday (local time).
The Mexicans had two Giovani dos Santos efforts controversially disallowed in the first half but Peralta's goal means they will now feel they have a good chance of progressing from Group A, which also includes hosts Brazil and Croatia.
Mexico 1:0 Cameroon Match Highlights
Chile cheats says Australia's Cahill
A Chilean player admitted to cheating as star-struck Australia suffered stage fright in a galling opening World Cup loss.
Australian striker Tim Cahill says Chile's 3-1 win in Cuiaba came down to respect: the Socceroos showed their opponents too much and their opponents showed soccer none.
The third game at the World Cup Friday was a rematch for the ages. The 2010 champion Spain met with runner-ups the Netherlands and what was initially a good match up quickly turned into a 5-1 massacre.
Scoring Onslaught Does In Defending Champions
“In his life, he has done amazing things,” Kuyt said of van Persie. “But to score this goal for his country was very special. It was an amazing pass and an even better finish. It’s a great start to the tournament, two goals against the world champion. It is amazing for him and it is amazing for the team. Hopefully, this is the start of a great tournament.”
It was a result as surprising as it was emphatic. Few could have predicted such a lopsided win for the 2010 runners-up
Is Netherlands defeat the end of Spain reign?
Walking alone with slumped shoulders, a bowed head and weary eyes, Xavi exited Arena Fonte Nova wearing the look of a man who knew exactly how profound Friday's 5-1 defeat by Netherlands could prove.
None of the assembled journalists even attempted to pose a question; there was no point.