Netherlands rocked Spain in Salvador with a thumping comeback win, thrashing the World Cup holders 5-1.

Spain took the lead in the 27th minute from the penalty spot. Stefan de Vrij was adjudged to have caught the trailing leg of Diego Costa as the striker looked to cut back onto his right foot, and Xabi Alonso beat the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen from the spot.

Netherlands levelled against the run of play just before the break. Daley Blind picked out the run of Robin van Persie with a long ball from the left channel, and the Manchester United striker met the cross with a wonderful looping header that gave Iker Casillas no chance.

The Dutch then turned the game on its head in the 53rd minute. Again it was Blind who was the provider, picking out Arjen Robben, who switched inside Gerard Pique in the penalty area and fired past Casillas into the entre of goal. Spain frontman Costa was lucky not to see red shortly afterwards after he appeared to headbutt Bruno Martins Indi off the ball, but referee Nicola Rizzoli didn't see the incident.

Netherlands were on top and soon after Van Persie hit the bar with a vicious drive they got their third. Sneijder floated in a deep free-kick from the left flank, Casillas missed the ball under pressure from Van Persie and it was De Vrij who forced the ball home from a couple of yards out. Casillas appeared to be fouled by Van Persie, with the keeper booked for his protests.

Spain were falling apart at the back and it was soon four. Casillas was dispossessed in the box by Van Persie, and he grabbed his second by tapping into an empty net. Then Robben outstripped the Spain defence and left Casillas scrambling on the deck like a crab to open up the goal, before shooting into the top corner. 5-1. Netherlands had several chances to add to their tally as Spain were destroyed by the pace of their attack, but La Roja survived with just five in the goals against column.
other scores today
- Mexico 1-0 Cameroon
- Chile 3-1 Australia