The Netherlands beat Australia, 3-2, in a back-and-forth game that gave the Dutch an excellent chance of qualifying for the knockout stages, and all but assured that Australia would exit the World Cup after the first round.
The Dutch struck first, with Arjen Robben winning the ball in midfield and sprinting into space to finish a left-footed shot past Australian goalkeeper Maty Ryan. The Socceroos responded immediately with a superb goal from Tim Cahill, who slammed a left-footed volley from Ryan McGowan’s cross in off the crossbar.
Australia dominated possession in the first half and were the first to score in the second, through Mile Jedinak’s penalty following a hand ball. But the Dutch answered back, with Robin van Persie beating the offside trap and firing into the roof of the net. Memphis Depay scored the game winner ten minutes later with a low 25-yard shot that Ryan couldn’t keep out.
