VIDEO Robin Van Persie Scores Amazing Header Goal Against Spain In World Cup 2014 Group Match

Robin van Persie Netherlands — The Netherlands' Robin van Persie flying toward the net and scoring in the 43rd minute to tie Spain 1-1 in Group B play of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Reuters

The Netherlands got on the board in a big way on Friday afternoon in a Group B match against defending champion Spain in Salvador, Brazil.

Just before halftime, superstar striker Robin van Persie leapt for a header to level the match, 1-1, off a fine and deep assist from defender Daley Blind. The Manchester United and former Arsenal man then charged to his new club manager Louis van Gaal to celebrate.

During halftime, former Netherlands striker and current ESPN studio analyst Ruud van Nistelrooy praised the goal, calling it "genius." Van Nistelrooy pointed out how Van Persie maintained his concentration and didn't look at goalkeeper Iker Casillas at any point.

Spain had previously scored off a penalty kick following a foul on Diego Costa by Stefan de Vrij. Xabi Alonso stepped in to boot the ball by Jasper Cillessen, who chose the correct side but couldn't get his hand on it.

The Spain-Netherlands matchup was eagerly anticipated entering World Cup 2014. The two nations met in 2010 in a final that produced Spain's first World Cup title, after a strike from Andres Iniesta in the 116th minute.

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