Dutch demolition beyond imagination
Dutch demolition beyond imagination
Be an expert or fan, none of the 300 million people across the globe could have guessed closer to what was to happen early morning today. They were watching the defending champions Spain taking on the Netherlands.
Spain are one of the strong contenders for this World Cup. Given the strength of the Dutch football, both -- an upset start or convincing win-- were on the cards for Spain. But a 5-1 demolition by the Dutch? No way!
It was a cracker of a match worth losing nights of sleep for. Spain, the world and European champions, were so easily demolished! Never before defending champions were so humiliated like this in the history of the game, with the worst result being a defeat by one goal margin. The Hollanders were simply too hot to handle. The look of frustration on the faces of Spanish superstars turned into helpless agony as the game rolled into the second half. And the pain and disbelief in the grimaces of their celebrated coach Del Bosque the world audience will find hard to forget, for long.
The match was expected to be a thriller in many ways. Apart from the aura of so many stars in both teams, it was a clash between different schools of soccer-- the Tiki-Taka of Spain and Total Football of the Netherlands. And the Tiki-Taka was simply outclassed, at least on that morning.
Right from the start, the Netherlands looked ominous, with their two forwards Arjen Ruben and Robin van Persie threatening to cut loose. Unfazed by one goal down from penalty, the supremely-fit Hollanders stepped up their game and battered the opponents with waves of attack. They were fast and furious, controlling the ball in the air and on the ground like tireless machine and with great aplomb.
Chill should run down the spines of all the aspiring teams the way the equaliser came. Van Persie transformed himself into the Flying Dutch with Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas at his total mercy. It was absolutely a heart-stopper. The big and bald Ruben was no less menacing. The two shared four goals among them and almost left the usually impeccable Casillas on the verge of tears. He appeared laden-footed as Ruben continued to test and tease the Spanish fort with his rocket pace, dribbling, dodging and immaculate finishing. Despite the Dutch dominance, Casillas, who was set to break former Italian keeper Walter Zenga's all-time World Cup record of 518 minutes without conceding a goal, was unlike Casillas. Spain conceded two goals just because his blunders.
It would be really very tough for Spain to get over this shattering defeat and regroup themselves to keep their next round hope alive from a not-so-easy group that also includes Chile and Australia. Tournament will certainly lose its gloss substantially if Spain have to bow out early. So, let's wish all the best for them.
Brows of coaches of all the top teams must have furrowed further, watching the Netherlands play. I would not be surprised if many of the goalkeepers see the Flying Dutchmen in their dreams and jolt upright in their beds at nights.
So, if not a supporter of Dutch football, you better keep your fingers crossed for your team in the World Cup!