Robben scored two goals, both with his left foot [AP]The Netherlands showed the world that Spain\’s reign as champions is coming to an end on Friday after losing 5-1 in the World Cup. Spain\’s goalkeeper Iker Casillas came up short in his bid to break Italian goalkeeper Walter Zenga\’s long unbeaten World Cup record.
Spain, who lost their opening game of the 2010 tournament to Switzerland, went ahead with a 27th-minute Xabi Alonso penalty but Dutch captain Van Persie equalised with an audacious diving, looping header a minute before the break.
The Netherlands, playing with swagger and working tirelessly to close down the holders, went ahead in the 53rd minute when Robben pulled down a long ball from Daley Blind, delivered his trademark cutback and swept the ball home.
Stefan de Vrij bundled in the third in the 64th minute, Van Persie, who also crashed a shot against the bar, got the fourth following a blunder by Spain keeper Iker Casillas and Robben completed the amazing victory in the 80th minute.
Source – Reuters and agencies
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