Australia - Holland

On form Holland lined up against lowly Australia. Many expecting a heavy defeat for the men from down under, especially after the drubbing Spain received from the Dutch.

Holland took an early lead. Robben, who had been magnificent against Spain, opened the scoring. The Bayern Munich attacker picked the ball up on the half way line and sped his way into the Australian box. His low, hard left footed drive nestled nicely into the Aussies net past the helpless Ryan. It would be the opening of the floodgates, though many people. But they were wrong.

Immediately after, Australia pegged the Dutch back. Tim Cahill scored his second of the tournament, and he won’t score a better. Comparisons were made to that famous goal by Dutch legend Marco Van Basten. A long ball over the head of de Vrij, found Cahill, who first time on the volley, with his weaker, left foot smashed it off the bar and in, past the flailing Cillessen. Easily goal of the tournament, so far.

Cahill strikes against Holland to equalise

A short time later, Cahill received a booking that rules the talismanic Aussie out of their final group game against Spain. Van Persie joined him in the book, and he too will miss Holland’s final game, against South Americans, Chile.

The Socceroos fought on. Bresciano and Spiranovic missed good opportunities to take the lead before Leckie had a goal disallowed for a foul on Daley Blind.

Australia continued piling forward and it finally paid off. Substitute Bozanic’s cross came off the hand of Daryl Janmaat who was unlucky to see the incident awarded as a penalty. Mile Jedinak of Crystal Palace put the ball in the net from 12 yards.

Like the Dutch lead, Australia’s lead didn't last long either. Van Persie, not to be outdone on the scoring charts by compatriot Robben, found himself in space in the box and leathered the ball into the roof of Ryan’s net to equalise. The Dutch upped the tempo, but Australia continued to get forward looking for a win.

It was Memphis Depay that found the breakthrough though. His long range strike bounced awkwardly in front of Aussie ‘keeper Ryan and slipped through his hands into the goal. Australia found themselves behind.

There was still plenty of time for another goal, but neither team were able to make the breakthrough. The Dutch couldn't increase their lead, nor could Australia find the equaliser.

A stern, noble effort from Australia who can be pleased with their performance in this game. It would take something of a miracle for Australia to progress mpw.

 Australia 2 – 3 Holland 

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Chile - Australia

Chile began their campaign against the Socceroos, Australia. It has been mentioned that Chile could be considered dark horses of the competition, their tolerance to the south American weather helps but also their strength in attack boasting the quality of Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez, and Juventus’ Vidal in midfield partnering the feisty Gary Medel.

They attacked with pace and built up a quick two goal lead. Sanchez scored the first, and set up the second against the vulnerable men from down under. Australia are the lowest ranked team in Brazil and their defensive frailties certainly showed as they found themselves sinking without trace after only 15 minutes. It looked as though the score line could end up more like a rugby score, which is much more familiar to the Aussies.

Chile's Alexis Sanchez celebrates his opener.

But the Chileans took their foot off the pedal and got complacent. Their exciting attacking style turned lumbered and content with their performance thus far. This allowed the barbecuing surfers to gain a foothold in the game and their main man, Tim Cahill sprung up, soared like a salmon and headed home. Soon after he headed home again, only to see it correctly ruled offside. Chile were rattled. Australia took a more physical approach to dominate over Chile’s superior skill and it seemed to work.

An Australian equaliser looked more and more likely, Cahill was waiting to pop up to be the hero his country needed, whilst veteran Bresciano tried his best to drag his team level. The Chilean players were stuck, like their miner counterparts. Chile couldn't get out of the rut and it looked as though another Australian goal was imminent, but it wasn't to be. Chile eventually responded, they saw an attempt cleared off the line before Wigan’s Jean Beausejour wrapped it up with a strike from outside the box to make it 3 – 1.

Chile 3 – 1 Australia 

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