On This Day In 2014: Robin Van Persie Scored The Greatest Header In World Cup History

The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicks off tomorrow. I repeat, The WORLD CUP begins on Thursday afternoon and never have we been more excited for a tournament like this one.

To get in the spirit of things, we've gone back in time four years to recall one of the greatest headers in World Cup history - Robin Van Persie's extraordinary diving header against Spain.

In a repeat of the 2010 World Cup final, Spain started the game well when Xabi Alonso netted from the penalty spot, but RVP's equaliser left the world in shock.

The Arena Fonte Nova stood and applauded what was a truly remarkable piece of improvisation.

Louis van Gaal's men went on to win the game 5-1 thanks to goals from Van Persie, Robben and defender Stefan de Vrij, but the headlines belonged to the-then Manchester United striker.

As you can see in the footage above, Van Persie met Daley Blind's inch perfect crossfield pass with a 15-yard header like no other.

To put this game into perspective, it was the first time Spain had conceded 5+ goals in an international since losing 6-2 to Scotland in June 1963. In fact, four goals is still the biggest losing margin by a defending champion

Monumental.

Do you think Van Persie's header was better than James Rodriguez's famous volley for Colombia?

Let us know in the comments below.

Topics: Football News, News, Van Persie, Football, World Cup, Holland

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_