The Netherlands were made to work hard as they defeated Australia 3-2 in a pulsating Group B clash in Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre. Australia went behind to an Arjen Robben goal, before a wonder strike from Tim Cahill and a penalty from Mile Jedinak gave them the lead. Robin van Persie equalised, before Memphis Depay struck the winner.
Australia made two changes to the side which lost to Chile with Ryan McGowan and Matt McKay starting. The Netherlands were unchanged from the side which tore World Cup champions Spain to shreds in their opening group game.
Australia got off to a quick start and were less than tentative as they attacked the Netherlands with purpose. With the game open and both sides looking to carve out an opening, it was the Netherlands who broke away and drew first blood.
On 20 minutes Robben sped away on the halfway line, beating Wilkinson, before brilliantly slotting a left-footed effort past Matthew Ryan in goal.
They say you are most vulnerable when you have just scored and that was evident when Australia pegged back Louis van Gaal’s side instantly. Cahill volleyed a first time effort from a right-hand side cross on his left-foot, which smashed off the underside of the bar and into the roof of the net. The goal of the tournament so far.
With both sides level at the break, it was anyone’s to take thereafter and Australia took the initiative again. On 53 minutes substitute Oliver Bozanic attempted a cross from the left which smashed off the hand of Daryl Janmaat, which prompted the referee to point to the penalty spot.
Jedinak stepped up and calmly slotted it away, giving Australia the lead.
However, this time it was Netherlands who replied instantly with Van Persie breaking the offside trap on 58 minutes and lashing home an equaliser.
Australia attempted to carve out another opening, however, after missing a good chance through Mathew Leckie they were behind again. An effort from substituteDepay on 68 minutes somehow made it’s way into the bottom corner, much to the dismay of goalkeeper Ryan.
Depay has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United, which would see him link up with Netherlands boss Van Gaal. Reports have even suggested Depay himself is eager to make the move and, should the rumours be realised, United fans can expect to see plenty of long-distance attempts such as his goal this evening. The 20-year-old netted seven league goals from outside the box last season, a tally bettered by no other player in the division.
Australia fought hard to get a foothold back in the game, but the Netherlands were resilient and held on to a valuable three points to make it two wins out of two.
-SQUAKWA
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