SALVADOR, Brazil – A defense that helped to win Spain's last three major tournaments was totally ripped to shreds in a 5-1 defeat by the Netherlands at the World Cup on Friday, as the defending champions tumbled to their heaviest competitive defeat since 1950.
Spain hadn't been beaten so humiliatingly since losing 6-1 to Brazil the last time the World Cup was played in this South American country.
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas made a handful of blunders on Friday, as did the normally reliable center backs Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos.
Spain's players left the Arena Fonte Nova pitch in disbelief, while coach Vicente del Bosque tried to maintain morale by encouraging his players at the final whistle.
The European champions have little time to regroup in a tough Group B with Chile next.
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