Robin Van Persie became the first Dutch player in soccer history to score in three consecutive World Cups, and his first goal of the 2014 tournament was one for the ages.
Down 1-0 against the defending champions of Spain, Van Persie was streaking down the pitch when a glorious pass from defenseman Daley Blind, who displayed crystal clear vision on the play, appeared in front of him. While the ball was in midair, Van Persie dove headlong, coming almost completely horizontal and heading the ball over the head of Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas for the match-tying score.
Netherlands had fell behind on yet another questionable officiating decision, when Diego Costa was fouled as he attempted a shot on goal. A Dutch defender slid in to stop him, and Costa appeared to put his foot on the defender’s leg before falling to the pitch. The referee ruled it a foul against the Netherlands, and midfielder Xabi Alonso was able to give the Spaniards the early lead on a penalty shot.
At halftime Spain has won possession 69 percent of the time, and unloaded six shots on goal to the Netherland’s three. Netherlands has also committed a whopping 11 fouls, while Spain’s played a far cleaner match with just two so far.
Nonetheless, for all their domination the defending champs find themselves tied with the Dutch because of one spectacular play. The fight to the finish figures to be fantastic, as the Netherlands are trying to avenge their championship game loss to the Spaniards from four years ago.
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