SALVADOR (Brazil): Robin van Persie starred with a brace as the Netherlands stunned hot favourites 5-1 to record one of the most unbelievable victories in World Cup history.

The Dutch also gained revenge for their final defeat in South Africa four years ago. Arjen Robben also scored a brace with Stefan de Vrij another to get his name on the scoresheet after Diego Costa had opened the scoring for Spain with a highly contentious penalty.

The Spaniards suffered their worst defeat in more than half a century.

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2014