1) Netherlands 5-1 Spain (Group B)
Seeking revenge for the result in the 2010 World Cup final, many could have predicted that the Netherlands would give reigning champions Spain a run for their money here, but no one could possibly have seen such a comprehensive thrashing taking place, particularly when Xabi Alonso’s penalty gave the holders a 1-0 lead in the first half. Robin van Persie’s superb diving header made it 1-1 just before half time, and after that it was all Holland as Arjen Robben in particular was in absolutely dazzling form to score twice, while Stefan de Vrij was also on the scoresheet and van Persie added another. A 5-1 win was beyond Louis van Gaal’s side wildest dreams and put their opponents under serious threat of an early exit, which proved to happen as they were then beaten 2-0 by Chile in their next game.
Although it is surprisingly common in recent times for the holders to go out at the group stages in the following World Cup (France 2002, Italy 2010), the manner in which one of the greatest national sides in history were dumped out of this year’s competition is surely one of the biggest upsets seen in the history of the tournament.
SEE ALSO: The 50 best players at the 2014 World Cup.
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