Football: The Dutch inflict horrid pain on Spain

It was a night that defending champions, Spain would want to forget very quickly. A night they were humiliated by Netherlands in their first group game in Salvador Brazil.

Robin van Persie starred with a brace as the Netherlands gained revenge for their final defeat in South Africa by thrashing champions Spain 5-1 at the World Cup in Salvador on Friday.

Arjen Robben also scored a brace with Stefan de Vrij another to get his name on the scoresheet after Xabi Alonso had opened the scoring for Spain, who suffered their worst defeat in more than half a century, with a highly contentious penalty.