Did the Dutch find the Spanish weakness?

Three of the first four games of the 2014 World Cup went as expected. The fourth was a shocker as the Dutch not only beat the defending champion Spanish team, but crushed them 5-1. Early in the game, it appeared this rematch of the 2010 Cup final would have the same 1-nil result. Brazilian-born striker Diego Costa drew a questionable foul in the Dutch box and Xabi Alonso converted the penalty kick to put La Furia Roja on the board first. Before the first half ended though, Clockwork Orange struck back on a beaut of a header by Dutch captain Robin Van Persie on a long pass into the box. The goal proved to be a game-changer.

Early in the second half, Dutch superstar Arjen Robben controlled a pass into the box, beat two Spanish defenders on the dribble, and fired the go ahead goal past Iker Casillas. Then Stefan de Vrij scored on a set piece when he got behind the Spanish defense at the back post. The rout was on from there as the Spaniards appeared defeated and played sloppily for the rest of the match. Van Persie scored a second time when Casillas mishandled a simple back pass. Not to be outdone, Robben also scored a second goal that was remarkably similar to his first when he again out-dribbled the Spanish defense in their own box and fired another left-footer that found the back of the net. The Dutch thoroughly dominated play throughout the second half and easily could have had several more goals.

So how did the Netherlands exploit Spain’s defense? The Dutch repeatedly sent long passes over or through Spain’s back line and Van Persie and Robben expertly timed their runs to beat Spanish defenders to the ball. Dutch head coach Louis van Gaal, who will take over Manchester United after the Cup, must have discovered that Spain was vulnerable to this tactic as they continually went to the well with it. Four of the five goals, including the set piece, were set up by long passes into Spain’s box. If Spain does not solve this deficiency, they may find themselves eliminated as soon as their next match against Chile’s aggressive offense. Further, Casillas will need to step up his game in goal. Casillas has not played much for his club team and the rust showed. Even if Spain manages to advance out of Group B, they now face the likelihood of facing Brazil in their first knockout round game. If the Dutch win Group B, they should get to the quarterfinals easily.

In the other Group B game, Chile showed off both its strengths and weaknesses before getting the expected result with a 3-1 victory. La Roja’s relentless offense nabbed two goals within minutes of each other before 15 minutes of play had elapsed. The Socceroos struck back with a Tim Cahill header and went into the half down a goal. Early in the second half, Cahill buried another header, but was called offside. Chile added a final goal in extra time. The match was tougher than expected for Chile, but they are now in a good position to advance if they can manage even a tie with Spain in their next game.

In Group A, the host Brazilians appeared to have their nerves get the best of them early when some careless defense resulted in an own goal to put Croatia up early. However, Neymar and a generous referee put them in control thereafter. The 3-1 win was not as pretty as Brazil would have liked and Brazil will have to play better to win the tournament. Croatia acquitted itself well in a game where it was a heavy underdog and still looks like a team that could advance out of the group.

In the other Group A game, Mexico beat Cameroon 1-0 as expected. The game was not as close as the final score might indicate. El Tri actually netted three goals, but had two called back on questionable offsides calls. The Mexicans face Brazil next, but it will be their final group game against Croatia that will determine if they can advance. The Indomitable Lions are just marking time till group play ends.

AMWoods

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