Eh! This goal BROKE the internet before the internet was even ready! Robin van Persie launched himself like a flying fish to meet a 50-yard pass from Daley Blind, heading the ball over the stranded Iker Casillas. The defending champions Spain were HUMILIATED in Salvador, and this diving header became the defining image of Brazil 2014. Nobody saw it coming, nobody could believe it, and nobody will EVER forget it!
Country: Netherlands Opponent: Spain Year: 2014 Round: Group Stage Score: Netherlands 5-1 Spain Minute: 44'
The Moment
- Van Persie sprinted from the halfway line and launched himself horizontally to meet Blind's long pass
- The header looped perfectly over Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas from outside the box
- It equalized to make it 1-1 before Netherlands destroyed Spain 5-1 in the group stage
- Immediately dubbed 'The Flying Dutchman' — one of the most iconic goal celebrations in WC history
- The defending World Cup champions Spain were eliminated in the group stage after this demolition
The Verdict
Van Persie's flying header was pure audacity and pure madness combined. No sane striker attempts that from that distance, but RVP threw his entire body at it horizontally and created one of the most replayed goals in World Cup history. A moment of genius that announced the 2014 tournament had truly arrived!
Tomorrow: #29 — Stay tuned for the next legendary goal!
