Game 18 Recap: Australia 2-3 Netherlands

AUSTRALIA 2-3 NETHERLANDS

A wild game in a wild World Cup eventually went the way most expected, although hardly in a fashion anyone could have predicted.

Looking for the first every victory against Australia in their 4th meeting, Netherlands found themselves up against a formidable Australian opponent who made up for a lack of quality in its players by showing incredible heart and effort.

Slow starting for the second straight tournament game, the Dutch nearly found themselves down early after Stefan de Vrij turned the ball over sloppily in his own end. The ball found its way to Mark Bresciano at the top of the penalty area but his shot was deflected just wide.

The Dutch struck quick though when they finally did get on the board. Alex Wilkinson missed both the ball and his man in midfield and unfortunately that man was Arjen Robben. With no one able to catch him, Robben led a 3-on-1 break upfield but kept the ball himself and carefully tucked it past Maty Ryan for the opening goal.

It was short-lived jubilation for Netherlands though. While the dust from that goal was still settling, Ryan McGowan's long ball found Tim Cahill in the Dutch penalty area. Known for his heading ability, Cahill turned in an amazing one-time volley on the long pass that flew over Jasper Cillessen and went in off the underside of the bar. It was a goal of the tournament quality strike to rival Robin van Persie's header from the first Dutch game.

The Dutch escaped to halftime despite another near miss from Mark Bresciano but would finish the game without Bruno Martins Indi who appeared to be knocked unconscious after a Cahill foul.

The Dutch started the second half strong but a freak play in their own end led to Australia's first lead if the tournament. Oliver Bozanic's cross hit the trailing arm of Daryl Janmaat in the Dutch penalty area. The ref awarded the penalty which was converted by Mile Jedinak.

Not to be outdone by Cahill's quick response, Netherlands found their own right after though. A failed Australian offside trap left van Persie wide open in front of goal with the ball and Ryan had no hope of stopping the striker from getting his 3rd goal of the tournament.

Australia would get no closer to a 3rd goal then in the 67th minute. A poor decision by Cillessen not to clear a back pass long led to a turnover by the Dutch defence. Tommy Oar's cross to Mathew Leckie was poorly taken off his chest though and Cillessen recovered for the save.

Immediately after the Dutch put this game away. Countering the near-goal from Australia, Memphis Depay came through the middle. Left with far too much space to operate, Depay unleashed a curling shot from 30 yards that eluded Ryan and fell in the bottom corner. It was a poor effort from Ryan who saw the ball all the way but an opportunity that never should have been afforded to Depay.

Goals

Australia: Tim Cahill (21'), Mile Jedinak (54')

Netherlands: Arjen Robben (20'), Robin van Persie (58'), Memphis Depay (68')

Discipline

Australia: Tim Cahill (Yellow 43' - Will miss next game)

Netherlands: Robin van Persie (Yellow 47' - Will miss next game)

Man of the Match

Arjen Robben was selected by the fans and Robben is as good a choice as any. It was a game full of great plays but not a lot of great overall performances in my opinion. Robben's speed on the offensive end stood out as a constant problem for the Dutch and he scored the opening goal of the game on a great run from his own half.

Key Moment

Robin van Persie crushed the momentum gained from Australia's penalty goal with a thumping strike past Maty Ryan to tie the game at 2. Played onside by Jason Davidson outside the penalty area, van Persie turned in a clinical finish to turn the tide against the Aussies and lead to a Dutch victory.

What we learned from Australia

They won't quit which is all you can ask of a team outclassed in virtually every way. Had some better play offensively from Oar and Leckie in particular as they found ways to consistently stretch the Dutch defence out wide and create space inside for scoring chances. Individual mistakes led to the first 2 goals but they have to more aggressive closing down defensively in the midfield. Gave Depay all the time in the world and while Ryan should have made the save, Depay should never have that much time to shoot.

What we learned from Netherlands

Let's pump the brakes a bit on the Dutch being World Cup favourites meme. Still potent offensively but there were 2 large problems in this game. They have to start quicker. 2 straight games they've taken an entire half to really settle in to the game and they cannot expect to continually win games if that happens. Defensively, they don't know the status of Martins Indi yet but they were shaky on the back end both with their 2-3-5 and in the 4-3-3 they went to after he left. Going to reserve judgment until after the Chile game to see how they respond.

Going Forward

Netherlands are all but guaranteed a spot in the Round of 16 and can clinch first in their final game against Chile. Will be without Robin van Persie for that match. Australia may not be mathematically eliminated depending in Game 19's result but without Tim Cahill, this is not a team capable of beating Spain in their final game. The Aussies are headed home but no one can question their heart or spirit.