Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben both scored twice as Netherlands thumped Spain 5-1 in Group B's opening fixture of the 2014 World Cup.

A penalty from Xabi Alonso had left the holders ahead after 27 minutes, but Van Persie levelled with a fine header moments before the interval.

Four more Dutch goals arrived in the second period, including one from centre-back Stefan de Vrij, as Spain's defence of their title got off to the worst possible start.

Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two Group B rivals.

Match statistics

Spain
Shots: 8
On target: 4
Possession: 64%
Corners: 4
Fouls: 5

Netherlands
Shots: 13
On target: 10
Possession: 36%
Corners: 1
Fouls: 18

Was the result fair?

When a team wins by such a margin, on many occasions the scoreline is flattering, with late goals making the score more comfortable than it might have been. However, that was simply not the case here. Netherlands were utterly brilliant and but for some poor finishing and smart goalkeeping from Spain stopper Iker Casillas, might have scored seven or eight, which would have been just incredible. Spain controlled long periods of the first half, but never really pressed their opponents in the middle of the park as the match advanced. Spain have always recovered from defeats in the past, but there is a big difference between a normal defeat and what occurred this evening. La Roja were simply humbled by their European counterparts.

Spain's performance

The early stages went as expected for Spain, with control of the possession and plenty of movement in forward positions. They opened the scoring after 27 minutes when Alonso found the bottom corner with a penalty, but it was controversial, with Dutch centre-back De Vrij making little contact with Diego Costa. The decisive moment arrived late in the half, however, with David Silva missing a clear chance for La Roja, before Van Persie levelled the score minutes later.

Had Silva scored a second for Spain, it might have been a different story, but there are few excuses for Spain's second-half performance. Their central midfield three of Xavi, Alonso and Sergio Busquets just could not deal with the pace and power of the Dutch, while centre-backs Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique were also nervy in defensive areas. As expected, Costa faded as the half progressed due to a lack of football, but his teammates faded with him. La Roja hardly had a chance of note in the second period, while they were always vulnerable to the counter-attack. Aside from Robben, it was not particularly a pacey Dutch outfit, but Spain's decision making at times was extremely poor. Vicente del Bosque's side simply must recover against Chile next time out.

Netherlands' performance

In short, Netherlands were sensational. Everything from their formation to the players selected was spot-on, with head coach Louis van Gaal providing the perfect formula. As expected, they had to spend periods without the ball, but their three central midfielders matched up to Spain, which allowed their full-backs to break forward whenever possible. For the Dutch to win this evening, they needed their big players to perform and that was the case, with Robben and Van Persie both terrific. Those two aside, Nigel de Jong and Wesley Sneijder, who provided two assists, were also brilliant in the middle of the park, while Aston Villa's Ron Vlaar was a rock at the heart of the defence.

Dutch supporters have been disappointed with their team's style of football in recent tournaments, but this was a throwback to the teams of old. There is still a long way to go in the competition, but they have got off to the perfect start. It was more than three points, however, it was a result and scoreline that would have sent shockwaves throughout the world.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Arjen Robben: In truth, it is difficult to separate a number of Dutch players, with Robben, Van Persie, Daley Blind and Sneijder all brilliant. However, this award has to go to the Bayern Munich winger, who scored twice against the world and European champions. It wasn't just his goals, however, with Spain simply unable to deal with the attacker's pace and movement in the final third and but for a smart save from Casillas late on, Robben would have had a hat-trick. He has frustrated during periods of his career, but he is now playing the best football of his life.

Biggest gaffe

Unfortunately, Spain goalkeeper Casillas had a bit of a horror show this evening. The Real Madrid stopper's standout error arrived after 72 minutes, however, when he wanted too long on the ball inside his own box. Van Persie was all too aware of the situation developing and steamed in to challenge the Spaniard, before poking into the back of the net from close range. Despite playing in the Copa del Rey and Champions League for his club side last season, Casillas missed a lot of football in the league, with some suggesting that he is not physically ready for the tournament.

Referee performance

One thing is for certain - it was a busy evening for Nicola Rizzoli. The 42-year-old was called into action after 27 minutes when Costa went down in the Dutch box under pressure from De Vrij, with the referee awarding a penalty despite replays showing that it might have been a soft decision. Costa was again involved in the second period when he seemed to put his head into the face of Dutch defender Bruno Martins Indi, but Rizzoli was not interested in taking the matter further. There was also a controversial moment in the build-up to Netherlands' fourth of the match, with Casillas arguing that Van Persie had fouled him before De Vrij bundled home. Once more, however, Rizzoli was not interested and instead booked Casillas for his complaints. Overall, Rizzoli issued four yellow cards in what was an ill-tempered affair.

What next?

Spain: Spain must respond when they face Chile on June 18. Another defeat could see them eliminated from the competition.

Netherlands: The Dutch, meanwhile, will be looking to make it six points from two games when they face Group B underdogs Australia on June 18.

Written by
Matt Law