SALVADOR, Brazil — The Netherlands thrashed Spain 5-1 Friday in the World Cup's first shocker, toying with an aging team that has dominated global football for the past six years and avenging a loss in the 2010 final. Although Spain could still advance out of the group stage, the game may have signaled the end of the run by a generation of Spanish stars whose quick passing, "tiki-taka" style delighted the world and helped them win the last three major tournaments. Dutch strikers Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben both scored twice, including Van Persie's diving header from an audacious 40-yard pass.
World Cup Notebook: Netherlands pounds Spain