What we learned, Day 2

At the end of each day of action at the 2014 World Cup, our writers weigh in on what we learned from each match.

NETHERLANDS 5, SPAIN 1

The Netherlands are contenders: The Dutch cruised through their European qualification group without having to break much of a sweat. But uninspired performances in friendlies leading into the tournament, as well as some injury concerns to some of the team's aging stars led to some belief that the Netherlands might have a tough time repeating their run from the 2010 World Cup, where they lost a 1-0 final to Spain in extra time. If Friday's clinic of a second half against Spain proved anything it is that this side are not only fit to repeat that feat from 2010, but possibly to exceed it.
Spain don't like to be attacked: Spain looked relatively like Spain for much of the first half, controling possession of the ball, the tempo of the game and having the majority of the run of play. However, in the second half, it was the Netherlands on the front foot from beginning to end. They continually tested Spain's back four, finding spain behind Cesar Azpilicueta and Jordi Alba, who are much better at venturing forward than they are tracking back. They also found space in between Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique. Often. Spain is blessed with defenders with great on-the-ball skills, who can help keep pressure on the opposition by maintaining, and often initiating Spain's tiki-taka attack from their back line. But when teams like the Dutch are willing to flip the script and put the pressure on them, they aren't nearly as comfortable and often look out of sorts in the back. Considering the fact they may face a Chilean side that only knows how to attack and won't back down regardless of the opponent, Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque may need to tighten up his back line. And he might have another tough decision to make with
Van Persie and Robben are still a force: Robin Van Persie is coming off an injury-plagued and disappointing season with Manchester United. There was some concern he was not 100 percent coming into the World Cup and that he wasn't at his peak scoring prowess. Then he did this. And added added another goal thanks to the kind of hustle that hungry strikers have when they are on the verge or in the midst of a scoring binge. And there's Arjen Robben, a player that many have said has seen his best days. His effort and drive have at times come into question. But one thing the masterclass he put on in Salvador on Friday should remind everyone is that he remains one of the most talented wingers in the world. His darting runs and shifty maneuvers drive defenders mad and forces them to stay back. He creates space for others and finds it for himself ceaselessly. The rest of this World Cup field beware.