Yesterday in Salvador, at the end of 90 minutes of excellence by his team, Louis van Gaal, the man known for his strict no nonsense style of management, greeted the final whistle with a broad boyish smile of pure, unadulterated joy. Vicente Del Bosque and his Spanish teams cut a sorry figure- stunned speechless at what they had just witnessed. La Roja's first defeat by 5 goals or more since 1950. Spain had conceded more goals in a single match than they had in all of the matches 4 years ago in South Africa, against the very side that they had conquered to win the ultimate prize in football. The absolute dominance of Spanish football and tiki taka obliterated.
One man, who has in his career experienced the pain of losing two Champion's League finals and a World Cup final was the one all smiles this time round. Arjen Robben was at his destructive best, ending the match with two brilliantly taken goals; arguably one of the best performances of his career. Robin van Persie, his partner in crime was equally good, scoring two goals of incredible importance, the first of which will live in World Cup folklore for years to come and has made sure that van Persie is going to spend the rest of his career being called the Flying Dutchman.
His second goal, however, will live in memory not for the way it was scored, but the blunder which led to it. It might be remembered in the future as the moment Iker Casillas , the hero of so many big matches in his career, fell from grace.
10 seconds summed up his match. Arjen Robben charging towards the Spanish goal, outrunning the defenders, then sending Casillas the wrong way twice. San Iker scampered on all fours, his face a mask of misery, as Robben sent the ball flying past Sergio Ramos and Pique into the top corner. Spain's hero for a decade had fallen.
Their run at the top has been an extraordinary one, and with players of such quality you'd be justified to expect the best from them, but the Dutch defended with utmost focus to thwart Iniesta, Costa and company. Ron Vlaar had an excellent game at the centre of a three man defence. Bruno Martins Indi and Stephan De Vrij too were solid, the latter scoring the third of five goals from the far post with a slightly scrappy effort.
Daley Blind played a, erm, blinder in his left wing back position with two assists. A performance that will definitely have bigger clubs interested.
Spain were their usual self up until van Persie's header, controlling possession but were lucky to score in the second controversial penalty decision this World Cup, but Diego Costa had an extremely disappointing debut and was rightly subbed after an hour for an equally unimpressive Fernando Torres. Iniesta attempted a couple of shots from far out but never looked like scoring either time.
For the defence, it was a shocker. On paper, a side which boasts of two world class centre backs in Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique with promising wide defenders like Azpilicueta and Jordi Alba is a force to reckon with, but neither of the back four could cope with Robben's trickery and pace.
This result leaves Spain in a precarious position. A lot will depend on their clash with Chile. Another loss or a draw could leave their chances of qualifying for the last 16 in serious jeopardy.
Sides will underestimate La Roja at their own peril, however. This here is a side loaded with world-class talent, especially in midfield and has players who boast a wealth of experience. They were pummelled in Salvador, but they will return, intent on restoring their pride.
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