World Cup 2014 Brazil » Group B » Live commentary: Spain - Netherlands 1:5

Fernando Torres on the other end looked to finish too cleverly and his effort is snuffed out by the Dutch defense. He could have at least given his side a consolation prize if he had just passed the ball into an open net.

Robben is still looking for his hat trick! Every time they win the ball back, Holland are looking as if they want to score yet another goal!

Just a few minutes left until this group match is over. The Netherlands have completely decimated Spain in the second half. This is the most goals Spain have conceded in a World Cup match since 1950 when they allowed in six goals.

This is certainly not what the Red Fury had in mind when they entered into this competition. Perhaps the Netherlands can put some of their 2010 disappointment to rest.

Spain need some kind of inspiration from Cesc Fabregas now. There are only 10 minutes left for the Spanish side until they can forget about this performance.

With only 16 minutes left, the Spanish side have allowed in more goals tonight than they did in 7 matches in the 2010 World Cup.

The Netherlands look like they have all the confidence in the world. Contrasted with Spain who seem to have shown dejection after the de Vrij goal. There's still time for them to get back in it, however.

And Spain thought they had a lifeline! After the ball bounces around in the six-yard box for a few moments, Silva pokes it in with his toe. The offsides flag is up before the Spanish side can even begin their celebrations.

Iker Casillas (Spain) is shown a yellow card

Holland have looked the better side for most of the second half and they add a substitution to ensure that de Jong doesn't gather up a second card. Spain on the other hand are looking for some sort of injection of inspiration with two substitutes.

The tempo with which the Dutch side are playing is just amazing! Robben picks up the ball in midfield and the pass is played on to van Perse. The striker is a couple inches from his second goal as the shot deflects off the upper goal frame.

And the Netherlands are in front after a brilliant effort by Robben. Costa has seen a couple of his challenges excused by the officials but he is taking risks after already being warned.

Robben is brought down near the penalty area after cutting onto his left foot, the officials hold their whistles but the winger is furious.

Good play from the Oranje in midfield and they've tried to maintain possession but the Spanish side have found themselves back on the attack.

The players are back on the pitch and back in action for the second half!

Halftime Summary:

What a great first half between the 2010 World Cup finalists! It took the Netherlands the length of the first half to change the story in this 2014 chapter. Spain have very little to be disappointed about, they showed their skill during most of the 45 minutes and kept the Dutchmen at bay. The penalty strike from Alonso and the consistent runs from Costa, after a slow start, reminded the world why this team is so dangerous. Yet, the Spaniards will certainly be disappointed to concede the late goal to Robin van Persie. The striker took the header with class and quality, barely looking at the goal as he lifted the ball over a helpless Casillas in the 44th minute. 45 minutes left to decide the match but so far, this match has lived up to its billing!

And this is what we expected from the rematch! Van Persie might be looking to exorcise some demons from his rather subpar World Cup performances and with that goal, it looks like both sides will go to the halftime break level.

The Spanish side see a couple of chances miss the back of the net. Costa had an excellent chance in front of goal and he wants a penalty, this time the ref isn't hearing it.

Robben finds himself behind the Spanish defense but sees the offside flag raised. He's not happy with the decision; it's close but the right call.

Not a bad shot taken by Nigel de Jong. He takes an effort from about 30 yards but Iker Casillas sees it the whole way. With only one goal in 61 caps, he may have been ready to double his total.

Another great cross from the Dutch side! Blind whips it in from the the left flank low and hard. Van Persie can't get anything on it but it was an inspiring touch from Blind.

And the Oranje are back on the counter. But van Persie sees the offside flag raised.

Goooal for Spain, 1:0 by Xabi Alonso
And the World Champions lead! A great penalty taken by Xabi Alonso; low and hard. This time around, Spain have found their goal much earlier than in 2010.

Jonathan de Guzmán (Netherlands) is shown a yellow card
A good buildup for the Netherlands but de Guzmán has a poor touch and he sees yellow after dragging down Iniesta from behind.

Goalless so far between the World Champions and their favorite rivals of recent years. Spain have won a corner after a bit of good footwork from Iniesta and David Silva.

Costa with yet another effort, he times his run well but the shot is another innocent one that doesn't bother Cillessen one bit.

After a couple of stops thanks to touchy fouls by the Dutchmen, play has continued. And yet a third whistle, this time on van Persie for nudging Ramos off of him fighting for position.

Costa had a chance in the penalty but it just didn't get off his foot thanks to some clever work from the Dutch defense. He could have silenced the boos early on but his execution was not particularly sharp.

The first effort by Spain! Iniesta takes a shot from about 20 yards but it sails over the goal without really challenging Jasper Cillessen.

Oh a great save by Casillas! Robben just squeezed a ball through the Spanish defense and Wesley Sneijder launches a shot at Iker Casillas. The keeper is true to his name and comfortably makes the save. Both sides are still level.

Janmaat with a poor challenge on Xabi Alonso. The spanish side reset from the penalty about 40 yards from goal. But quickly relinquish possession back to the Orange.

The Dutchmen have been content playing the ball back to their keeper during the early stages. Both sides are still getting their bearings under them.

Both sides have tapped the ball around in the midfield but there has been little effort to advance during the early stages.

With plenty of pride between both sides, they have lined up to sing their national anthems. Very little time left until the ball gets rolling in Salvador!

This is the first time in World Cup history that the two finalists have met in the Group Stage in the subsequent World Cup. Both teams could benefit from the three points with Chile looming in the group and prone to make some noise in its matches. Expect the Netherlands to try and expose the back line for Spain from the wings. Of course, the Red Fury will continue with a formula that has worked in an unprecedented three international competitions. The match ups are intriguing and there will be plenty of opportunities to score during the match.

In just about a half hour, the most anticipated Group Stage match will kick off! Spain and the Netherlands meet four years after their World Cup final for a group stage rematch. With three championships to their name since 2008, the question is whether Spain can continue their international dominance. Stay tuned here for live updates!