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.
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Australia 2 – 3 Holland 
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