Netherlands defeats Australia as Chile sends Spain home
Dutch striker Robben celebrates his goal against Australia. In a match filled with turnarounds, the Netherlands beat Australia 3-2 at the Beira Rio Stadium 
The Netherlands won the hard-fought struggle on Wednesday (Jun 18) against Australia with 3-2, as Chile pulled off a 2-0 victory over the Spaniards, champions from the last tournament. The two winning teams have secured their place in the knockout stage.
It was the first time in history that the Dutch, under the watchful eyes of King Willem and Queen Máxima at the Beira Rio stadium, in the southern state of Porto Alegre, managed to defeat the Australian squad. The Dutch opened up the scoring with Arjen Robben’s goal 19 minutes after the beginning of the game, but shortly afterwards Tim Cahill equalized for Australia.
Early in the first half, the Aussies took the lead through Mile Jedinak’s penalty. Four minutes later, though, Dutch striker Van Persie took the ball unimpeded and made it 2-2, which encouraged the Dutchmen to push further and harder, and so, in the 68th minute, substitute Memphis Depay scored the winner.
Spain's Sergio Busquets reacts after missing a chance during the group B World Cup soccer match between Spain and Chile at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro,
At Maracanã, in Rio de Janeiro, Chile had the of a highly enthusiastic crowd as they beat Spain 2-0, with goals scored by Eduardo Vargas and Charles Aranguiz. The Spaniards, who had already been soundly defeated by the Dutch in their opener, lost the last chance of remaining in the world’s biggest football competition.
Translated by Fabrício Ferreira
Fonte: Netherlands defeats Australia as Chile sends Spain home
