Robin van Persie scores glorious flying header to spur rout over Spain

By Brooks Peck | Dirty Tackle – Sat, Jun 14, 2014 4:01 AM MYT

The Netherlands' Robin van Persie provided the first goal of the tournament contender for the 2014 World Cup with his beautiful header to equalize against Spain just before halftime. It also led to a run of complete domination for the Dutch in the second half, giving them a 5-1 win that was about as expected as a Kobe beef in a Big Mac.

But before their world came crashing down around them, Spain struck first with a Xabi Alonso penalty after the referee gifted Diego Costa with a (now customary in this tournament) soft penalty in the 27th minute. Spain then settled in as they looked to protect their lead and continue a streak of not conceding a single goal that carried all through the knockout stage four years ago.

But just as Spain seemed to be in control, Manchester United striker Van Persie found himself alone with the goalkeeper in front of him and the ball floating down from the heavens, so he glided through the air like a low hanging Superman and lobbed a header over Iker Casillas for the 44th minute equalizer.

(Yahoo Sports)

Van Persie celebrated by running to manager Louis van Gaal, who will join him at Man United next season. And with the momentum in Holland's favor, Arjen Robben vanquished the ghost of his failed one v one in the 2010 final that has haunted him for the last four years by putting the Oranje up 2-1 in the 53rd minute on the reigning champions with Bergkamp-esque control and a solid finish.

[Photos: More images of Van Persie's diving header]

Taking further advantage of the Spaniards' wobble, the Dutch added another goal in the 64th minute when 22-year-old defender Stefan de Vrij knocked in the first of his international career at the post. They refused to let up as Casillas came way out to try and clear the ball from a charging Van Persie, but the Dutch captain won out and put it in the empty net to give the Netherlands a 4-1 lead in the 73rd minute. And finally, Robben took advantage of a wandering Casillas again by making it 5-1 in the 80th minute.

At this point, it should probably be noted that Spain did lose 1-0 to a Swiss team less talented than this Netherlands side to start the 2010 World Cup. Still, Netherlands defender Bruno Martins Indi summed up just about everyone's reaction to this with one facial expression...