Netherlands recorded their second win in the World Cup 2014in as many as to top the group B. they won the match but not before Australia had given them a real scare. In the end the Dutchmen settled for a 3-2 victory to make it two wins in two.
The match began in great pace as both teams looked to grab the initiative in the early minutes of the match. It was Holland who took the lead in the 20th minute, courtesy to a solo run by Arjen Robben from around the centre line region followed by a well placed finish. Australia responded in the very next minute when Tim Cahill restored parity with a brilliant finish. The ball went from one side to the other and it was turning out to be yet another exciting encounter. The first half ended with the teams locked at 1-1.
The second half began with the Australians playing much more purposeful football. They got their rewards when referee pointed to the spot after a handball from Jaanmat inside the penalty box. The Australian captain Jedinack put the Socceroos in the lead in the 54th minute. Falling behind Holland began playing desperately and within 4 minutes Robin Van Persie got the equalizer. The match was heading for an 
exciting finish as both teams were looking a bit shaky in their defense. Australia got a clear goalscoring opportunity in the 63rd minute but they failed to convert with only the goalkeeper at mercy. And in the next minute Netherlands found the all important third goal of the match and a potential winner. Memphis Depay picked up the ball midway in Australia’s half, dribbled ahead and unleashed a shot from distance rather optimistically and it found the back of the net beating the Australian keeper Ryan. Ryan could have done much better but that was it. Netherlands were ahead 3-2. Australia got few half chances in the remainder of the match but there were no clear cut chance that could have led into a goal and it ended with the Dutchmen winning 3-2.
With two wins in as many matches, the Dutch are sitting pretty at the top of the table in Group B with a superior goal difference and they are almost assured of a spot in the next round. Australia, on the other hand, are set to book their tickets back to their nation after their last match against Spain as they have no realistic opportunity to make it into the next round. And that this match perhaps may turn out to be Tim Cahill’s last world cup appearance for the Socceroos as he won’t be playing against Spain for a suspension. In that case it was a tragic end to a great hero from Australia.
Tags: Brazil world cup FIFA 2014 FIFA World Cup football
