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Rediff.com  » Sports » PHOTOS: When Total Football made a mockery of tiki taka
This article was first published 10 years ago

PHOTOS: When Total Football made a mockery of tiki taka

Last updated on: June 14, 2014 03:19 IST

Image: Robin van Persie of the Netherlands scores the team's first goal with a diving header
Photographs: Jeff Gross/Getty Images

The Netherlands turned in a scintillating show to humble defending champions Spain 5-1 in a Group 'B' FIFA World Cup match in Salvador.

It was the heaviest defeat for a defending champion at the World Cup. Every other champion had lost by a goal.

- Points table

It was also the heaviest defeat suffered by the Spanish national side since 1961.

The Dutch came from behind to avenge the defeat in the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa, the match witnessing their 'Total Football' making a mockery of the Spanish tiki-taka.

Robin van Persie scored a spectacular equalizer just before the break to spark the revival.

- Football World Cup coverage

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Alonso's penalty put Spain 1-0 ahead

Image: Xabi Alonso of Spain celebrates after scoring from a penalty kick
Photographs: Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Xabi Alonso had put Spain ahead with a penalty, after Diego Costa was fouled.

The holders looked in complete control early in the game, their passing game working to perfection. 

However, the Dutch defense somehow held on. 

- Football World Cup coverage

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Robben scored a brace

Image: Arjen Robben of the Netherlands (right) celebrates with Wesley Sneijder after scoring the team's fifth goal
Photographs: Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Arjen Robben put the Dutch ahead in the second half with a spectacular solo goal before Stefan de Vrij scored his first international goal to make it 3-1.

Van Persie then got his second before Robben completed the rout. 

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It was a forgettable night for Spain's 'keeper Iker Casillas

Image: Goalkeeper Iker Casillas (left) and Sergio Ramos of Spain react after conceding a goal
Photographs: David Ramos/Getty Images

It was a forgettable night for Spain's goalkeeper, Iker Casillas. 

Spain had conceded just three goals in the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 Euro Championships combined.

In this match he conceded five. 

It was Spain's worst defeat in more than half a century, coming 51 years after a 6-2 defeat to Scotland in 1963.