SALVADOR, Brazil — The Netherlands tore Spain apart in a dominant second half performance to thrash the defending World Cup champion 5-1 on Friday and gain a measure of revenge for its 2010 World Cup final loss to Vicente Del Bosque's team.
Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben both scored twice and defender Stefan de Vrij grabbed his first international goal in a humiliating defeat for a Spain team that has won its last three major tournaments.
Spain tumbled to its second consecutive loss in the opening match of a World Cup and its heaviest defeat in the game's showcase tournament since capitulating 6-1 to Brazil in 1950. (AP)