HELL SALVADOR FOR SPAIN

It was Spain’s heaviest defeat since Scotland beat them 6-2 in 1963.
Portugal beat them 4-0 in 2010.
Spain last conceded three in Brazil in the Confederations Cup final last June (lost 3-0 to Brazil (Fred 2, Neymar).
They last conceded two to Group B rivals Chile in a friendly in September.
They lost WC opener to Switzerland in 2010 (0-1, Gelson Fernandes).
The Dutch have scored as many goals against the World Champions as they did in both their qualifying games against Andorra combined (5)

At first glance Costa did seem to be brought down by Stefan de Vrij as he turned back inside on to his right foot but replays showed that he clearly placed his foot on top of de Vrj’s leg and, as such, no penalty should have been awarded.
Nevertheless, Spain had the chance to strike a real blow and Alonso did so, driving the penalty low to Jasper Cillessen’s right with his right foot. For a while the world champions seems set to assume total control. Certainly the game may well have been over had Silva done better after moving in to Andres Iniesta’s stunning reverse pass just before the interval.
As it was, Cillessen was able to stand tall and touch Silva’s chip round the post and within a couple of minutes Holland were level.
In truth they hadn’t looked much of an attacking threat in the minutes that followed Spain’s goal but that changed once left wing-back Daley Blind delivered a beautiful crossfield ball in to the path of Van Persie.
The Manchester Uniyed centre forward looked at first as though he would seek to control the ball on his chest but at the last moment he propelled himself forward and diverted a sensational header over Casillas, who had advanced in an attempt to narrow the angle.
At a stroke the Dutch were level and the wild celebrations that followed – including an untidy attempt at a high five between Van Persie and Van Gaal – showed how much it meant.

Thwarted: David Silva sees his chip comfortably saved by Cillessen

Waste: Wesley Sneijder hits his shot straight at the keeper when through on goal

Proceed with caution: De Vrij (second right) is shown the yellow card by Nicola Rizzoli

Clash of the titans: Alonso and Arjen Robben compete for a ball in the air as the Dutchman goes flying

Stop right there: Holland defender Bruno Martins Indi (left) grabs hold of Spain midfielder David Silva

With the rain pouring at the start of the second half, mistakes were to be expected. Even so, it was astonishing to see Xavi conceded possession so cheaply as Holland sprang forward to take the lead.
Again it was Blind who swept the ball in from the left and when Robben pulled it down, the Bayern Munich player eased inside Gerard Pique and then lashed his shot past Casillas before Sergio Ramos could close him down.
It was a quite stunning goal and one that shook Spain. A few minutes later Daryl Janmaat supplied Van Persie with a pass and the United striker shook the bar with a crushing right foot volley.
By now, however, Holland were not to denied and in the 64th minute Casillas made a mess of a free-kick allowing Stefan de Vrij to bundle the third in virtually on the goal line.
Van Persie capitalised on another Casillas mistake for No 4 and Robben rounded off the rout.