Robben proud of Dutch display against Spain
Goalscoring hero Arjen Robben heaped praise on his Netherlands team-mates after they stunned FIFA World Cup holders Spain on Friday.
Robben scored two goals in the second half as the Netherlands came from behind to trounce Spain 5-1 in Group B at the Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador.
The Bayern Munich speedster was at his blistering best against the defending champions but he preferred to congratulate the team, who gained some revenge for their 2010 World Cup final defeat.
"It's a fantastic feeling to have scored those goals," Robben told FIFA.com after netting his seventh goal in his last seven international appearances for Louis van Gaal's side.
"I have to say, I'm just so proud of my team. It's always nice to score a couple of goals but I'm far prouder of the side.
"I'm proud of our performance because that's what really matters."
Saturday's result saw Spain concede five goals in a match for the first time since losing 6-2 to Scotland in 1963.
It was also only the second time Spain had shipped that many goals at a World Cup, having previously been on the receiving end of a 6-1 defeat to Brazil in 1950.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
But despite the magnitude of the performance, Robben urged his Dutch team-mates to remain focused ahead of clashes against Australia and Chile.
"We need to stay focused and just keep doing what we have been doing," he said. "Tomorrow we start again."
‘After Manchester City’s recent form, maybe they’re the underdogs against Manchester United!’ Former Red Devils defender on this weekend’s derby
‘Arteta, Alonso, Emery, me… none of us were physical players – we needed the understanding of the game. That probably helped us move into management’: Premier League boss reveals reasons for natural career progression