Nobody expected this. After being criticized for being too defensive for choosing a 5-3-2 formation, Louis van Gaal proved he was right as his team beat the current World champions in a stunning 5-1 result. While they didn’t start off very solid, the Oranje slowly improved and resorted to their individual talents and Spain’s reluctance to fight back in order to earn a key 3 points and a +4 goal average that could prove essential for reaching the knockout stage.
GK, Jasper Cillesen: 7/10
He blocked Silva’s shot in a key play right before van Persie equalized and prevented what could’ve been a different result. He guessed correctly in the penalty shot, but couldn’t stop it. Solid in the rest of the game.
DEF, Daryl Janmaat: 6.5/10
He wasn’t very decisive in attack, but was just enough in defense.
DEF, Ron Vlaar: 6.5/10
Had a few good blocks and after the second goal he barely had to worry.
DEF, Stefan de Vrij: 7.5/10
He supposedly fouled Diego Costa in the controversial penalty. He received a yellow card, but remained solid in defense and even had the chance to score the 3rd goal.
DEF, Bruno Martins Indi: 6.5/10
Did just enough to keep trouble away from Cillesen when he had to, which wasn’t a lot of times.
DEF, Daley Blind: 9/10
Very active on the left wing, provided crosses when he had the chance and provided a great assist for van Persie’s equalizer. Also provided Robben’s 2-1 assist. Superb.
MID, Nigel de Jong: 7.5/10
Stole the control of the ball from Spain, which is a lot to say. He was aggressive as usual when tackling, but barely had anything to do after Spain deflated.
MID, Jonathan de Guzmán: 6.5/10
Helped de Jong annoy Spain’s midfielders, but earned a yellow card way to early and was subbed shortly after the 60-minute mark.
MID, Wesley Sneijder: 6/10
Had a great opportunity to score the first goal of the game, but his shot wasn’t very powerful and accurate causing Casillas to block it. He didn’t do a whole lot more after that.
ATT, Arjen Robben: 9.5/10
Was active in the first half, gave Sneijder a great goal opportunity. Brilliant play on the second half for the goal that turned the game around. He also scored the fifth and last goal. He was a complete nightmare. Fast and accurate, he got his revenge on Casillas.
ATT, Robin van Persie: 8/10
Players like him don’t need to be active the entire game to make a difference. He was at the right place at the right time and scored a stunning equalizer. Also scored the 4th goal. He did what he is supposed to do, score goals.
Substitutes
MID, Georginio Wijnaldum: 6/10
He had the chance to score the 6th, but Casillas blocked it. Barely did anything in the half hour he played.
DEF, Joël Veltman: 6/10
Only played 13 minutes, but did enough to earn an above average score, since he prevented Torres from scoring Spain’s 2nd goal.
ATT, Jeremain Lens: N/A
He barely participated in the game.
