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It was more difficult than expected, but the Netherlands came back to defeat Australia 3-2 before a raucous crowd of Aussies, who outnumbered their Dutch counterparts in the stands by about five to one - though the Dutch royal family was also in attendance. The victory clinches a spot in the knockout round for the blue shirt-wearing le Oranje as they head into the final group match level on points with their next opponent, Chile.
The Dutch Royal Family take in the action. (Photo: @EzioH7 | Twitter)
Australian manager Ange Postecoglou vowed not to "park the bus" against the Dutch (granted, it was because he believed that Holland would rip them apart if they did) and proved to be a man of his word in the early going as the Socceroos were not content to sit back and took the match to the Dutchmen. The Netherlands was very sloppy in possession in the early part of the match, giving the ball away in dangerous areas, and failing to take advantage of opportunities on the counterattack.
They were able to remedy that in the 20th minute when Dutch winger Arjen Robben muscled through a challenge from an Australian defender and headed off on the break. Robben simply had too much pace for the Australians and he was able to shoot across the goal and put the ball past Australian keeper Matthew Ryan with a clinical finish.
Robben is a man on a mission this World Cup. (Photo: @FIFAWorldCup | Twitter)Robben is a man on a mission this World Cup. (Photo: @FIFAWorldCup | Twitter)
Just as the ESPN crews finished showing a man in a kangaroo costume in anguish, the Australians equalized on an incredible volley by Australian legend Tim Cahill that might serve as one of the top goals of the World Cup. Cahill, who has scored 1/2 of Australia's all-time World Cup goals, picked up a yellow card in the second half, and because he was also booked against Chile, will miss the final group game against Spain, making this perhaps his last international fixture. It is hard to imagine how he could have conjured a better final image than this:
Australia took the lead in the 54th minute following a handball in the box from Dutch right back Daryl Janmaat that led to a penalty. Midfielder Mile Jedinak, who plays his club football for Crystal Palace in the English Premier League, stepped up and slotted home the penalty to give the Australians a 2-1 lead that sent the pro-Aussie crowd into a frenzy.
Their joy was short-lived, however, as a mere four minutes later, Dutch star Robin van Persie powered the ball into the top corner to equalize. Ten minutes after that, the Dutch got their winner, as Memphis Depay's swerving shot from distance was too much for Australia's Matthew Ryan, though arguably that was one he should have saved.
Memphis Depay scores what would be the game winner against the Socceroos. (Photo : @footballcraze1 | Twitter)Memphis Depay scores what would be the game winner against the Socceroos. (Photo : @footballcraze1 | Twitter)
Although the Netherlands currently top the group, they are not without issues in the upcoming decider against Chile. Van Persie picked up his second yellow card of the tournament in the second half, meaning he will miss the match with the Chileans. Additionally, central defender Bruno Martins Indi was carted off in the first half with an apparent concussion, which leaves his availability for the remainder of the tournament in doubt.
For the Australians, it was a prideful display and its fans should be proud of the effort put forth, even as the loss eliminates them from the World Cup. Their fans should have no trouble sleeping at night, even if one of their players won't be, since he shares his room with a furry little friend.
