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Matchday 3 proved to be a decisive one for Group B as the Netherlands' victory against Chile sealed them the top spot and allowed them to avoid Brazil in the knockout stage, while Spain and Australia played for pride only.
Netherlands-Chile
The Netherlands defeated Chile 2-0 on Monday to clinch first place in Group B and set up a match with Mexico in the round of 16. The two sides came into the match level on points and, with the runner-up in the group likely to draw Brazil in the next round, each side was keen to win.
The Netherlands, wearing their full "oranje" kits for the first time in this World Cup, were forced to make a few changes to the lineup from the previous two matches as captain Robin van Persie was suspended after picking up yellow cards in the first two games. Former Liverpool forward and bizarro Anthony Michael Hall Dirk Kuyt made his first appearance of the World Cup, but failed to make much of an impact.
Chile dominated possession throughout the match (64%-36%), but it was the Netherlands that made the most of their time with the ball, as the Chileans were only able to muster one shot on goal. The Netherlands seemed content to let the Chileans dictate possession and were explosive on the counter led by star winger Arjen Robben. Robben has a very unique running style that has been referred to by Grantland's "Men in Blazers" as him running with his "dodgy flapper" out. Though he may look strange while he's got the ball, there is no doubting his skill as he was unquestionably the man of this match. The Chileans had no answer for his pace.
Arjen Robben with a breakaway against Chile (Photo: @Squawka | Twitter)
The Chileans were not content to play for the tie, as they put on the wildcard forward Jorge Valdivia in the 70th minute. Valdivia who plays his club football in the same city as this match was played, attempted to leave Sao Paolo club Palmeiras back in 2012, but when news of the transfer broke, incredibly Valdivia was kidnapped by a Palmeiras supporter. Though he was released safely, the incident did give Valdivia second thoughts about leaving and he remained with the club. His introduction in this match, however, failed to make an impact on the proceedings.
Dutch star Wesley Sneijder was substituted in the 75th minute for the inexperienced Leroy Fer. It only took Fer two minutes to make an impact, as he won a free header in the box following a corner. The goal was Fer's first international goal and, because of the goal difference between the sides, meant that the Chileans would have to score twice to win the group. Following a corner in stoppage time, the Dutch went on the counterattack and Robben outpaced the Australian defenders before crossing the ball into the box where substitute Memphis Depay was able to poke it home, clinching the Dutch victory.
Leroy Fer scores his first career goal for the Dutch squad. (Photo: @FIFAWorldCup | Twitter)
By coming in second in the group, the Chileans will face off with host Brazil on June 28th at 12:00 p.m. EST. The Dutch's reward is a showdown with Mexico the following day, also at noon EST.
Spain-Australia
Well, that's more like it. Though the Spanish team had already been mathematically eliminated from advancing out of the group stage, they played for pride and defeated the Australians 3-0 in a match that was closer than the score indicates. Spanish manager Vicente Del Bosque made several changes to the starting lineup with Pepe Reina taking over in goal, and Fernando Torres, David Villa, Santi Cazorla all starting for the first time this World Cup. The Spanish also unveiled their black and neon green kits, which makes perfect sense for a team that is known as "la Furia Roja."
David Villa opened the scoring in the 36th minute with an incredible backheel goal following a cross from Juanfran. Villa, playing perhaps his last international match for Spain, scored his 59th goal for his country and is Spain's all-time leading scorer. His inclusion in the starting lineup was almost a testimonial gesture by Del Bosque to let Villa enjoy the limelight one last time and he took full advantage of the opportunity his manager gave him. After being substituted for Juan Mata in the 56th minute, Villa was seen crying on the bench, overcome by the emotion of his final international campaign ending the way it has. Torres and Mata each later added goals, as Torres made a great run and finished off a pass from Andres Iniesta, while Mata slotted his home following an impressive long ball from future Chelsea man Cesc Fabregas.
David Villa finishes his international career with this beauty of a goal. (Photo: @SInow | Twitter)
The Socceroos struggled without their talisman Tim Cahill, whose incredible goal against the Netherlands was one of the highlights of the World Cup so far, as he was suspended due to the two yellow cards he picked up in the first two matches. The Australians will leave Brazil without obtaining a single point, but given the brutality in their group, equipped themselves rather well in giving the Dutch all they could handle in their second match.
Inevitably, the questions will be raised as to whether this is truly the end of an era for the Spanish. Their run of winning the 2008 European Championships, 2010 World Cup, and then 2012 Euros is almost unprecedented in the international game. Their crushing defeat and aging of the squad will naturally lead one to conclude that the Spanish reign is over, but with a number of players still in their prime, it would be premature to completely write off the Spanish going forward. Undoubtedly the early exit is tremendously disappointing, but perhaps the manner in which they lost will rejuvenate the desire of the players, who may have grown complacent after all of their success. We?ll see when the Euro 2016 qualifying begins in the fall when the Spaniards get their first chance to wash the taste of Brazil from their mouths.
