Spain dismantled by rampant Netherlands

The Netherlands threw a spanner in the works of Spain's world title defence with a breathtaking comeback in Salvador.

Trailing to Xabi Alonso's penalty, Louis van Gaal's men levelled before the break through Robin van Persie then put their opponents to the sword after the interval to banish memories of their 1-0 reverse against Spain in the final four years ago. Arjen Robben made it 2-1, Stefan de Vrij tapped in number three, Van Persie robbed Iker Casillas to make it four and Robben wrapped up a stunning victory.

The 2010 final started in cagey fashion but this time around the contest was more open. Eight minutes had elapsed when Robben slid Wesley Sneijder clean through on goal but his effort across Iker Casillas was at a good height for the Spain No1 to repel. 

A typically fluent move laid the foundations for Spain's opener. Xavi Hernández's measured pass released Diego Costa and, as the striker turned inside the area, De Vrij caught his back leg. Alonso made no mistake with a fierce low spot kick.

Another sensational pass through the middle soon bisected the Dutch defence again. This time it was a reverse ball from Andrés Iniesta that released David Silva, whose attempted clip over Jasper Cillessen was just tipped wide by the custodian. Within moments the Dutch were level. Daley Blind floated a sumptuous long pass over the Spain rearguard which Van Persie met with a deft looping headed that left Casillas stranded.

Eight minutes after the break the contest was turned on its head when Blind lofted another perfect ball behind the Spain defence, Robben cut inside Gerard Piqué and drilled in. The Oranje nearly put the game to bed when Van Persie crashed a drive against the bar but the third was not long in coming, Sneijder's deep free-kick touched over the line by De Vrij.

Spain's misery was completed by two further ruthless finishes. Van Persie embarrassed Casillas for number four before Robben accelerated away, sidestepped the goalkeeper, and rifled a fifth past two helpless defenders on the line. It was a fitting end to a simply stunning display from the Netherlands.

Next up for Oranje is Australia, who lost 3-1 to Chile in the late match, FC Barcelona's Alexis Sánchez scoring one and setting up another.