Netherlands delivered an outstanding second-half execution to destroy ruling champions Spain in a shocked Arena Fonte Nova.
Spain satisfied their favourites tag by opening the scoring through a Xabi Alonso penalty, however Robin van Persie evened out with an unbelievable swooping header just before half-time and Arjen Robben placed Netherlands in front with a impressive completion.
Stefan de Vrij constrained in a third goal from Wesley Sneijder’s free-kick, Van Persie seized goalkeeper Iker Casillas to make it four and Robben’s splendid solo exertion fixed the win for the Dutch.
Spain, looking to win a fourth back to back significant international trophy, were humbled and mortified in the rematch of the 2010 World Cup final. The last time they surrendered five goals in an international match was in 1963.
Three-time runners-up Netherlands will now be discussed among the heading contenders to lift the title and it is not farfetched in the event that they keep up this level of play.
It was their first meeting with Spain since the final four years prior in South Africa and the first run through the past finalists had met in the opening round of matches at the next World Cup.