PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil (AP) – The Netherlands had to work much harder for victory over the World Cup’s lowest-ranked team than they did against the defending world and European champions.
A goalkeeping blunder by Maty Ryan handed substitute Memphis Depay his first international goal and the Netherlands the winner today after a spirited Australia had brought the Dutch back down to earth with a bump, following their 5-1 thrashing of Spain in their Group B opener.
Arjen Robben opened the scoring before Tim Cahill’s stunning volley brought the sides level a minute later. Mile Jedinak then converted a 54th minute penalty and Robin van Persie equalised with his third goal of the tournament.
Depay’s speculative long-range shot beat Ryan in the 68th to give the Dutch a 3-2 victory.
Group B Standings
Wins Draws Losses Goals For Goals Against Points
Netherlands 2 0 0 8 3 6
Chile 1 0 0 3 1 3
Australia 0 2 0 3 6 0
Spain 0 1 0 1 5 0
Schedule & Results
Netherlands 5, Spain 1
Chile 3, Australia 1
Netherlands 3, Australia 2
Wednesday, June 18 – 3 p.m.: Spain vs Chile at Rio de Janeiro
Monday, June 23 – noon: Spain vs Australia at Curitiba, Brazil
Monday, June 23 – noon: Netherlands vs Chile at Sao Paulo
