Performance Review: 2 simple reasons Netherlands crushed Spain

The Netherlands’ 5-1 victory over Spain last night will go down as one of the more compelling World Cup matches in recent memory, with several writers already describing a contest that eclipsed the best the entire 2010 tournament in South Africa had to offer.

Though it was a Dutch rout, the most important goals came from Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben, to equalize late in the first half and take the lead in the second. Key in both was the Ajax left back/defensive mid Daley Blind, who rarely plays in the wing back position, and the relatively quick pace of the Dutch counterattack.

Though there will be reams written on formations and tactical shifts and midfield battles and all the rest, sometimes the simplest things can undo even a sitting World Cup champion.

In this case, Spain’s lead was reversed by two things.

First, the apparent failure by Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque to account for the width provided by Louis van Gaal’s 5-3-2 formation (or 3-4-1-2, if you want to get nerdy), with two wing backs (think more advanced full-backs) hugging the touchline and stretching the pitch.

Second, the speed and accuracy of Blind’s over-the-top passes to RvP and Robben.

In an alternate universe, Spain would have pushed on from their opening penalty, scored by Xabi Alonso after Diego Costa was judged to have been fouled in the box by Stefan de Vrij in the 26th minute of play. After all, the width of the Dutch system should have afforded Spain a little more room to maneuver on their way through the middle to the Dutch goal.  

Spain however were far too laissez faire out of possession, perhaps poised to defend a slower, pass-heavy attack.

Here above, for example, is Blind receiving a pass from the centre back after a corner before looping a perfect ball to Robin van Persie for the equalizer. Note how wide the wing backs are here, and how relatively far up the pitch.

While Blind’s subsequent lob to the flying Van Persie was nothing short of breathtaking, he also had all the time and space he needed not only to see RvP calling for the ball, but to make a perfectly weighted pass. Spain were clearly set up to clog nearby passing options, not close down in the event of a direct ball. They set Blind free, and he burned them.

A very similar dynamic was in play for the second goal.

Wesley Sneijder sees Blind run again along the left, almost completely unperturbed. Again, Spain look to be preparing for a more intricate give and go along the left flank, but the relative lack of support for Blind on the channel should have been a warning.  

Blind knows exactly what Robben is up to, but the space between Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique reveals they did not. Before even pausing to take a touch, Blind immediately lobs the ball to Robben, and the Dutch master’s incredible control and patience on the ball does the rest.

Suddenly the Netherlands are 2-1 up on a stunned Spain, and the rest...well, the rest is a night Spain would rather forget.

Conclusion

These goals reveal two things.

One, that ball possession, in case you didn’t know already, is often a misleading statistic. No doubt the Netherlands could have held onto the ball longer in the channels or relied on safer passing options, but that would have played into Spain’s hands (or feet, as it were).

Two, that Van Gaal will need a Plan B, as other opponents will now look to press the wing backs and Daley in particular, and prepare for faster counters and over-the-top passes. This will no doubt bring the Number 10 Wesley Sneijder more into the game to direct play through the middle, but could also prevent the Dutch from scoring as often.