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Famous FIFA World Cup Goals: Robin van Persie, the Flying Dutchman
Robin van Persie at the 2014 World CupDutch striker Robin van Persie timing his run to receive a long pass and score a goal with a looping first-time header in a 2014 World Cup match against Spain.
The group-stage match between reigning champion Spain and the Netherlands at the 2014 FIFA World Cup is remembered as one of the most unexpected one-sided results in the tournament. Spain took an early lead before the Netherlands scored five goals in response. Dutch striker Robin van Persie scored a double on the night, and his first goal was short-listed for the FIFA PuskƔs Award for goal of the year. Just before halftime, van Persie slipped past the Spanish defensive line to receive a long-range pass from teammate Daley Blind and looped the ball over Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas with a first-time diving header that amazed the audience. (Watch the spectacular goal here.)
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