Photo Credit: Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press
The World Cup has officially started and the games did not disappoint! Countries in Groups A and B have already played in their first games. Most of the results were expected including Brazil, Chile, and Mexico defeating Croatia, Australia, and Cameroon respectively. The most shocking has to be Spain’s demoralizing loss to the Netherlands in the afternoon game.
The 2010 World Cup final rematch started out, as most people would expect as the reigning champions struck first with a penalty goal scored by Xabi Alonso in the 27th minute. However, the momentum changed when Robin Van Persie from the Netherlands headed the ball into the back of the net in the 44th minute. From that point on, the Netherlands had control of the game by scoring four more goals in the second half. They came from Van Persie, Arjen Robben, and De Vrij.
Reigning champions’ biggest issue in the second half was the defensive breakdown. They let the opposition have too many opportunities of their side of the field. The Netherlands took full advantage of this throughout the 2nd half with fast breaks and fancy footwork and delivered Spain a historic loss.
Spain needs to sure up their defensive line if they want to repeat their title. It is their weakest link and needs to be solved when they have to play against other great teams in the World Cup. Right now it is any country’s game to win the World Cup title.
