Two goals apiece for the attacking duo and a tap-in from Stefan de Vrij left Vicente del Bosque's men totally torn apart in the first game of their title defence
Netherlands left World Cup holders Spain shaken to the core after they recorded a 5-1 thrashing in their opening game on Friday.
Andres Iniesta scored in extra-time to give Spain a 1-0 win and the trophy in South Africa four years ago, and it appeared the same result was on the cards in Salvador when Xabi Alonso powered home a first-half penalty.
But the Netherlands hit back in stunning fashion, with Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben in scintillating form.
Van Persie levelled matters with a fabulous header on the stroke of half-time, before Robben - who fatefully missed a one-on-one with Iker Casillas in the 2010 final - gave Louis van Gaal's side the lead eight minutes after the interval.
Things went from bad to worse for the world champions when Stefan de Vrij nodded home a third on 64 minutes, before Van Persie and Robben netted again to complete a remarkable rout in Group B's opening fixture and cast further doubt over Spain's chances of winning their fourth straight major tournament.
Spain boss Vicente del Bosque forewent the temptation to start with Cesc Fabregas in the false-nine role that was so successful during Euro 2012, instead choosing Diego Costa as an out-and-out striker.
Costa's impact on their system was evident, too, as Spain opted for a more direct approach than in previous tournaments.
It was the Netherlands who created the first opening, Robben's inch-perfect throughball finding Wesley Sneijder, only for the playmaker - making his 100th international appearance - to shoot straight at Casillas.
source: goal.com
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