5 times stars humiliated great goalkeepers

#5 Robben’s revenge

Robben obliterates Casillas

The Netherlands have never won the World Cup, and the closest they came was probably 2010’s tournament in South Africa. Beaten by Spain in a dreary final filled with fouls, the Dutch only lost out to an Andres Iniesta goal deep into extra-time. It could’ve been so different had Spain’s keeper been weaker – Arjen Robben had a one-on-one opportunity in the second half, but saw his shot saved brilliantly by Iker Casillas.

Evidently the experience was something Robben had not forgotten going into Holland’s group stage opener with Spain four years later in the 2014 World Cup. He even spoke about the moment haunting him prior to the game. After 2014’s edition though, it was Casillas who was left humiliated. Not only did the Real Madrid legend suffer the indignity of leaking five goals, but the fifth one – scored by Robben – was simply comical to watch.

Chasing a long ball down the pitch, Robben’s speed allowed him to outpace the Spanish defence and he rushed head on towards Casillas. Casillas came out to meet him....only for Robben to pirouette and turn away from him, leaving him on the floor. The keeper leapt to his feet and made a cartoonish, despairing dive towards Robben’s legs for a second time, but the Dutchman was simply too quick and he easily rolled the ball away before blasting it into the net.

Spain never recovered from the loss, crashing out in the group stages, and Casillas had certainly never been humiliated like that before. Robben had taken his revenge in the best way possible.