Dutch delight

SALVADOR, Brazil (AP):The Netherlands thrashed the world champions 5-1 in the World Cup's first shocker, toying with an ageing Spanish team that has dominated global football for the past six years and avenging a loss in the 2010 final.

Although Spain could still advance out of the group stage, the game may have signalled the end of the run by a generation of Spanish stars whose quick passing, "tiki-taka" style delighted the world and helped them win the last three major tournaments.

Dutch strikers Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben both scored twice, including Van Persie's diving header off of an audacious 40-yard pass. The ball looped over hapless Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas as Van Persie slid on his stomach on the wet grass before running to the sidelines with his fists clenched to celebrate what is sure to be one of the goals of the tournament.

Defender Stefan de Vrij also scored - his first international goal - in a dominating second half that had the orange-clad Dutch fans in Arena Fonte Nova on their feet the whole time.

It was the worst loss for Spain in the game's showcase tournament since a 6-1 defeat to Brazil in 1950.

TOTAL DISASTER

"This was a total disaster," said Spain striker Fernando Torres. "We need to focus on winning the next game."

The victory was particularly sweet for Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal, who was criticised for his decision to play five defenders. He insisted the formation had attacking potential as well as nullifying Spain's fluent passing game.

It did. Spain's ball-control offence usually has other teams frustratingly trying to gain possession. This time, the Dutch fans were roaring "Ole" as their team passed the ball around and Spain chased them.

Spain lost their first match in South Africa four years ago on their way to the title, and they could salvage tournament hopes with wins against Chile and Australia. But finishing second in the group means facing the winners of Brazil's group in a knockout game.

Van Persie credited Van Gaal's tactics of defending hard and firing long passes to Robben and himself.

"We trained that way. And this is definitely down to him," the Manchester United striker said of the coach who will take over at his club next season.

"If you see how he prepared us, and how he predicted the game would go, and you see how it went - unbelievable."

In the group's other game yesterday Chile beat Australia 3-1.