Spain defense implodes in heaviest loss since ’50

By: 10 years ago

Spain’s goalkeeper Iker Casillas wipes his face after Netherlands scored their fourth goal during the second half of the group B World Cup soccer match between Spain and the Netherlands at the Arena Ponte Nova in Salvador, Brazil, Friday, June 13, 2014. AP

SALVADOR, Brazil — Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas crawled and scrambled in vain, Gerard Pique was beaten for pace and Sergio Ramos made a series of blunders.

Whatever happened to Spain’s usually rock-solid defense?

A backline that helped Spain win its last three major tournaments was totally ripped to shreds in a 5-1 defeat by the Netherlands at the World Cup on Friday, as the defending champions tumbled to their heaviest competitive defeat since 1950.

A howler by Casillas gifted Robin van Persie his second goal and the Real Madrid keeper was later on all fours as he tried to catch up with Arjen Robben as the Dutch winger waltzed through the Spain area before scoring his second of the night.

Pique was easily rounded by Robben for his first goal and then outsprinted by the Dutchman for his second, despite having a clear head start on the 30-year-old midfielder.

Ramos, normally the beating heart of Spain’s backline, could do nothing as his defense collapsed around him.

Spain’s players left the Arena Fonte Nova pitch in disbelief, while coach Vicente del Bosque tried to maintain morale by encouraging his players at the final whistle.

In one game, Spain conceded more goals than it did in its last two major tournaments combined.

Spain only conceded one goal as it retained its European championship title in 2012 and just two as it lifted the World Cup for the first time in 2010.

The European champion, which hadn’t been beaten so humiliatingly since losing 6-1 to Brazil the last time the World Cup was played in this South American country, has little time to regroup in a tough Group B.

With Chile next on Wednesday, Del Bosque needs his team to rediscover its former defensive strengths.