Netherlands edge past Australia in 3-2 win

Matthias Bossaller, dpa 

The Netherlands staged a comeback to secure a 3-2 victory against Australia Wednesday to maintain their 100 per cent record in Group B.

With the match hanging in the balance at 2-2, the points were decided in the 68th minute when Memphis Depay rifled in the winner from outside the box, prompting jubilation among Dutch fans at the Beira-Rio stadium, including King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima.

It was a particularly cruel blow for Australia, who had themselves missed a glorious chance to go 3-2 up just 60 seconds earlier when striker Mathew Leckie chested a cross from Tommy Oar straight into the hands of keeper Jasper Cillessen.

Australia had gone into the contest as major underdogs against the Netherlands, who had become one of the favourites for the World Cup after thrashing defending champions Spain 5-1.

Dutch forward Arjen Robben slotted home in the 20th minute to open the scoring after a solo run from midfield, but Australia were energized by the set-back and responded immediately.

A stunning left-foot volley from Tim Cahill, reminiscent of Dutch icon Marco van Basten's goal against the USSR in the Euro 88 final, levelled the game. Cahill picked up a booking though and misses Australia's last group match against Spain as a result.

Australia would go on to dominate the rest of the first half but it was after the break they took a deserved lead, albeit in fortuitous circumstances.

Daryl Janmaat was harshly penalized for blocking a cross in the box with his hand and Mile Jedinak showed no sympathy in sending Jasper Cillessen the wrong way from the spot.

The Socceroos were on course for a famous victory but the Netherlands responded in tremendous fashion to turn the game on its head.

Robin Van Persie, virtually anonymous in the first half, smashed home an equalizer from 14 yards just four minutes after Australia had gone in front.

Australia, not disheartened, fought their way into the contest once more and carved out the magnificent opportunity for Leckie to make himself a hero.

But the difference between potential champions and also-rans lies in the converting of such chances.

Leckie missed and when Depay's shot from distance evaded the hands of Mat Ryan, the Dutch had done just enough to secure victory.

The win means the Netherlands are on course to secure a place in the last 16, which could even be confirmed later Wednesday depending on the outcome of Spain against Chile.