Spain Loses to Netherlands in World Cup

Defending World Cup champion Spain lost to the Netherlands by a score of 5-1 in what amounted to a rematch of the 2010 final. Spain scored the first goal (a penalty shot) but lost its chance to make it a 2-0 lead. The Dutch then came back with a vengeance during the latter part of the first half, first catching up then taking the lead eight minutes into the second half. According to The New York Times, “Questions will now be asked about the decision of Spain’s coach to start with a Brazilian-born striker, Diego Costa, who has barely played for his adopted national side before returning home for the World Cup.”