The question on the lips of so many soccer fans is what really happened to the world defending champion of the FIFA World Cup, Spain in last night's match against The Netherlands? They were walloped 5-1 by a superb Dutch team inspired by Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben.
Both players grabbed a double each and de Vrji.
Of course there are many factors that could be traced to the failure of Del Bosque's World &European champions. The defeat was Spain's worst in about 51-years, when they suffered a 6-2 loss to Scotland in 1963. Their recent was 1-0 loss to South Africa in an international friendly match in Johannesburg in November 2013.
Del Bosque's back four of Sergio Ramos, Pique, Azpilicueleta and Jordi Alba were below par. Pique looks rusty and undeciding in most of his decisions to go for the ball or not. His poor and sloppy play cost Spain the second goal when Arjen Robben brilliantly controlled the ball with his left foot, reminiscent of the great control and finish of Dennis Bergkamp. Pique was lost in thoughts as he watched Robben use his left foot to track the ball down and rushing Ramos didn't have much to do but just throw himself helplessly. Robben was definitive and clinical with his finish blasting the ball past the once reliable Iker Casillas.
Casillas was in his worst element as he contributed to three of the goals against his team.
From the midfield area, Xavi, Iniesta and Silva lacked penetration as passed the ball without much effect. Iniesta was uncharacteristically guilty of making wrong passes in several occasions. Xavi seemed lost in the game at some point.
There were few balls for Diego Costa and he made sure Spain the lead when he was hacked inside the box for Alonso to score.
Well I can't rule out Spain from not winning their next two games against Australia and Australia. They are capable of it and have done it before.
Del Bosque needs to a surgical operation on the team and inject some life into his team.
Do you think Spain will win their two remaining group matches?
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