OneFootball
Padraig Whelan·9 June 2026
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Padraig Whelan·9 June 2026
At the 2014 World Cup, the Netherlands were out for revenge in their opening game against Spain.
Four years earlier, that had been the final game at the same tournament when La Roja won an ill-tempered affair 1-0 after extra-time and this time, the Dutch were eager to set the record straight.
They did so in stunning fashion too, running out 5-1 winners after going behind early in a game that is best remembered for Robin van Persie's jaw-dropping header.
"It was a brilliant goal, even I have to say that. The best of my career, especially when you consider the occasion," Van Persie said of it.
"It was a bit of a gamble but just before the ball came in, I spotted [Iker] Casillas off his line so it was a header but a lobbed one."
The goal went on to finish in third place in 2014's Puskás Award for the best goal scored that year.







































