The match in Brazil could not have been more different from the meeting four years ago in Johannesburg. That dour game included 14 yellow cards and one red and only one goal, scored by Andres Iniesta in the 26th minute of extra time. The best remembered moment might not be Iniesta’s dramatic winner but Nigel de Jong’s chest-high assault on Xabi Alonso.
Today's dazzling match had six goals and four yellow cards. It seemed to be heading in the same direction as the 2010 final when Xabi Alonso put Spain ahead from the penalty spot after 27 minutes.
But Robin van Persie leveled just before half time with an inspired, leaping, long-range header. After the break Arjen Robben added another brilliant goal. Stefan de Vrij scored from close range after chaotic Spanish defending. Van Persie pounced on a moment of slopiness by Iker Casillas, the Spanish goalie. Another dazzling Robben goal completed the rout.
Louis van Gaal, the Dutch manager, had hinted that his formation would be defensive and his team's tactics could be rough. His tactics worked brilliantly.
"We will do everything we can to be the surprise of the tournament," Van Gaal said before the match.
Spain were the reigning world and European champions, and are attempting to win their fourth consecutive major tournament. The Dutch made them look like bumblers.
Spain’s squad members are used to winning. They average almost 60 caps. Sixteen of them were in the squad in South Africa. In contrast, only seven of the Dutch players survive from the squad four years ago. But on Friday, youth overwhelmed old heads and tired legs.
You can relive the live action on the blog below.
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