Madrid, April 1 (IANS) Holland defeated Spain 2-0 in an international friendly football game, billed as a grudge meeting between the two sides who had met in the 2010 World Cup final and again four years later in the 2014 World Cup.
Spain had won the 2010 clash to win their first World title, but the Dutch started what many see as the start of the decline of the Spanish national team 4 years later in Brazil with a 5-1 thrashing of the defending champions, reports Xinhua.
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque had spoken before the game of his work to rejuvenate his squad following last summer’s World Cup failure. The team picked by him for Tuesday’s match had nine changes to the team that won 1-0 at home against Ukraine on Friday.
Del Bosque had also warned that Spain had suffered from high balls into their penalty area in Friday’s victory. But that warning was clearly not heeded when Holland took the lead after 12 minutes when midfielder Wesley Sneidjer’s cross into the box was met by a firm header from central defender Stefan de Vrij.
The Dutch doubled their lead three minutes later when midfielder Davy Klaassen scored.
Del Bosque reacted at the break by bringing on attackers David Silva and debutant Vitolo, replacing Isco and Pedro Rodriguez.
Midfielder Cesc Fabregas almost got Spain back into things soon after the start of the second half, but his back-heel went just wide and it seemed the Spanish were moving the ball more sharply.
Spain then brought on striker Alvaro Morata, defenders Sergio Ramos and Mikel San Jose. Spain forced the Dutch onto the back foot and they should have scored with 10 minutes remaining but Fabregas failed to convert the chance.