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Not a single soul would have predicted today’s scoreline for Netherlands vs Spain. The Dutch took sweet revenge on La Roja by thumping 5 goals. It was an embarrassing result for the defending Champions who had just conceded 2 goals in last year’s World Cup. Arjen Robben undoubtedly was the Man of the Match, who scored two goals helping Netherlands to defeat Spain in such a convincing manner.
Netherlands
Jasper Cillessen: 8/10
The Dutch goalkeeper made some brilliant saves initially to deny the Spanish to capitalise the game. In the beginning, David Silva and Andres Iniesta got couple of chances, which if they could convert would have changed the colour of the game. But thanks to Cillessen, the Netherland fans can sleep peace.
Daryl Janmaat: 8/10
This young right back played brilliantly throughout the match. He had great responsibility of stopping Iniesta and Silva who were constantly switching flanks to attack. The 22-year-old performed his duties brilliantly.
Stefan de Vrij: 8.5/10
Stefan de Vrij had a great match and defended brilliantly. He was strong and stout throughout the match and kept Diego Costa silent. Although he was responsible for conceding a penalty early in the game, but he compensated it by scoring a header in the second half from a corner.
Ron Vlaar: 8.5/10
Ron Vlaar was the most experienced defender of the lot. He lead the entire Dutch defence spectacularly and never gave a single opportunity to the Spanish attackers to score.
Daley Blind: 8/10
Daley Blind was simply superb as a left back. He assisted the first Robin van Persie goal with a fantastic inch-perfect curling cross. Throughout the match defender played great football along the left flank and contributed both offensively and defensively.
Bruno Martins Indi: 8/10
This young centre-back had a great game just like his other fellow defenders. He was instrumental in securing the Dutch defense and never really gave a chance to the Spanish forwards to become dangerous.
Jonathan De Guzman: 8/10
Jonathan Guzman played like a machine at the central midfield position. He ran around for almost the entire match throughout the field and was instrumental in withstanding all the pressure which was generated by the Spanish along the center.
Nigel De Jong: 7/10
Nigel De Jong had an average match overall. Even though he did a good job in helping the defenders withstand the Spanish attacks initially, he was rough and fouled several times. He even conceded a yellow card for constant fouling.
Wesley Sneijder: 7.5/10
On his 100th international game, Wesley Sneijder was relatively silent throughout the match. He never looked dangerous. He had got a one on one opportunity at the beginning of the game only to hit it within Casillas’ reach.
Arhen Robben: 9.5/10
Man of the match without a doubt, Arjen Robben was a constant threat. It was Robben’s match and he enjoyed terrorising the helpless Spanish backline to the fullest. The Bayern Munich winger was spectacular and scored two brilliant goals. The Spanish defence found it difficult to keep up with the Dutch winger’s speed and trickery. His second goal was testimony to his pace as how easily he outran Pique despite the Spaniard having a headstart on him.
Robin van Persie: 9/10
Robin van Persie scored a brace which included the brilliant opening goal which can easily be one of the best in this year’s World Cup. Persie was relatively at the beginning of the game but that goal completely transformed the game and his morale. Van Persie also latched onto Casillas’ horrible error to score his second. He was undoubtedly the second best player in the match.
Substitutes:
Georginio Wijnaldum : 6/10
Georginio replaced Guzman in 62nd minute and came very close to score the sixth goal for Netherlands, but was denied by Casillas. He was effective and his pacey runs were a concern for the Spanish defense late in the second half.
Jeremain Lens: 5/10
Jeremain Lens was inducted into the game in place of Robin van Persie in the 79th minute. Lens was quick and brought extra energy into the Dutch team at the end which helped them to maintain pressure on Spanish defense. On one occasion he had dribbled passed Ramos brilliantly.
Joel Veltman: N/A
Joel Veltman practically did not have any impact on the game as he was a late induction.
Spain
Iker Casillas: 5/10
It is hard to give this legendary goalkeeper such a low rating, but one cannot help when a team concedes 5 goals. Iker Casillas made some brilliant saves throughout the match which actually saved Spain from more blushes. Iker Casillas was at fault at only one instance out of the five, but it was costly blunder and not expected from a goalkeeper of his stature.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 6.5/10
The Chelsea right-back had a decent game even though Spain conceded five times. He was good along the flanks and defended strongly. Azpilicueta’s runs along the wing were useful and he generated quite a few crosses. His speed was eye catching and overall the young defender was impressive.
Gerard Pique: 4/10
Gerard had one of the worst days in office. He defended poorly and was outpaced by Robben on several occasions. While scoring his first goal and team’s third, Robben dribbled past Pique inside the penalty box with ease.
Sergio Ramos: 4/10
Sergio Ramos too would like to forget this day as soon as possible just like his compatriot Gerard Pique. He was completely outplayed by the Dutchmen. First half was decent, but the second half performance was a meltdown for the Champions League winner.
Jordi Alba: 6.5/10
Just like Azpilicueta, Alba too had a decent game. He ran down the left flank and generated quite a few crosses. He defended well and showed great pace.
Sergio Busquets: 4/10
It is in this type of matches where we actually understand the role of Sergio Busquets. The Barcelona man silent throughout the game and was nowhere close to his usual performance.The Dutch took advantage of this and counter attacked from the middle.
Xabi Alonso: 5/10
The Real Madrid was totally out of touch today. He committed many errors and misplaced passes on several occasions. He practically did not have any impact and was substituted at the latter stages.
Xavi Hernandez: 5/10
Xavi Hernandez disappointed the most as he was a complete flop. His performance was below par and did not have any effect on the game. He too was benched at the latter stage. Questions can be raised on Del Bosque’s decision of fielding this maestro in the starting 11.
Andres Iniesta: 8/10
The only positive thing for Spain today was Andres Iniesta’s performance. He was simply brilliant and built constant pressure on the Dutch defense at the earlier stages. He generated some wonderful passes and crosses and even came close to score in two or three occasions.
David Silva: 6.5/10
David Silva was the second best player of La Roja today. Even though he is capable of performing much better, on a day when Spain got thrashed so badly, Silva’s performance looked pretty good. He provided quite a few good passes and crosses.
Diego Costa: 6.5/10
A lot was expected from the Atletico Madrid striker, but other than getting the penalty for the team he had no contribution. He maintained a constant pressure on the Dutch defense, but that was not helpful. He got a few chances but could not capitalise. Overall Costa was disappointing.
Substitution
Fernando Torres: 3.5/10
Coming as a second half substitute, many expected Fernando Torres to have an impact on the game and help Spain make a comeback. But in reality he yet again lost a golden opportunity of scoring,when he failed to score from the six yards box. It was an easy chance and Torres could just tap it in, but he tried to dribble and the defenders cleared the danger with ease.
Pedro: 4/10
Pedro replaced Xabi Alonso in the 63rd minute. He too had a chance of proving hi worth, but instead remained silent for the next 40 minutes. Pedro hardly had any impact other than a few half chances. He met some diagonal passes and ran intelligently in few instances.
Cesc Fabregas: N/A
Fabregas came at the fag end of the came when it was practically impossible for Spain to make a come back. As a result, he did not have any impact on the game overall.
