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Spain v Netherlands Brazil 2014 | Group stage Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador
"It is what separates the truly great players from the rest of us," purred former Switzerland striker Jean-Paul Brigger, who was the head of FIFA's Technical Study Group at Brazil 2014. "In all my years as a professional I could never have scored a goal like that."
Like the rest of the watching world, Brigger could not believe his eyes when Robin van Persie broke free of the Spain backline and connected with a searching left-wing Daley Blind cross with an incredible leaping header over helpless goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Van Persie immediately ran 50 yards to the Dutch touchline to give coach Louis van Gaal a high five as fans tried to take stock of one of the greatest goals in FIFA World Cup™ history.
"It is the best goal of my career. It was a brilliant goal — even I have to say that," the prolific Dutch forward said. "I look at the occasion, and this was one of the biggest so far in my career. It was a bit of a gamble, but I spotted Casillas off his line before the cross came in. It was a header, but a lobbed header — a great goal."
The equalizing goal, which game just before the half-time break, kick-started a complete momentum shift for the Dutch, who went on to demolish Spain 5-1 for their worst defeat at the global showpiece since a 6-1 defeat to the Seleção at Brazil 1950. Inspired, the Netherlands progressed all the way to the semi-finals of Brazil 2014, where they lost on penalties to Argentina after a goalless draw.
Van Persie's amazing effort, which immediately earned him the nickname, 'The Flying Dutchman,' could only secure third place in that year's FIFA Puskás Award, with the winner going to James Rodriguez's for Colombia against Uruguay.
Sources: FIFA Official
