Final Scoreline for Match 33:
THE NETHERLANDS - 2
(Fer 77', Depay 92')
CHILE - 0
The first half was pretty much a stalemate, except for a wonderful run by Arjen Robben which culminated in a cross kick which went inches past the goal post, and Chile also came close to scoring as well. Neither team was overly aggressive, and just feeling out each other's strengths and weaknesses.
Robin Van Persie was not playing this match, since he was suspended due to two yellow cards in the earlier games.
It was Netherlands who shifted gears in the second half. They started pressing forward more, and were suitably rewarded late in the second half when Leroy Fer sent the ball in quite nicely to make it 1-0. The score was supposed to stay the same but substitute Memphis Depay and Arjen Robben had other ideas. A break from a Chilean corner kick had Robben speeding through towards the Chilean goal, and his perfect cross found the outstretched leg of Dupay, past the Chilean defense and the keeper. 2-0 Netherlands, and with only a minute or so of play left.
Netherlands win, and top Group B. Chile will have to be content with being #2, and might face Brazil in the Round of 16, if Brazil win their encounter against Cameroon.
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Final Scoreline for Match 34:
AUSTRALIA - 0
SPAIN - 3
(Villa 36', Torres 69', Juan Mata 82')
Ah! This was how Spain used to play. Funny that all 3 goal scorers were not a part of the starting eleven in either of the first two matches which Spain lost and got knocked out of the World Cup. A class apart, David Villa and Fernando Torres have always been reliable performers, and it was surprising to see them warm the benches while Spain lost critical games. Torres & Villa should have been a part in the last game against Chile, at least.
Well, Spain will head back home with this consolation win, and wondering "What if...?" As for the Socceroos, they will leave Brazil licking their wounds and their heads held high. They played well and did their part in keeping Group B exciting.
Goodbye, both of you.