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Germany 1-0 (ET) Argentina (Gotze 113')

Monday, June 23, 2014

Game 33 Recap: Netherlands 2-0 Chile

NETHERLANDS 2-0 CHILE

For the second game in a row, the Netherlands received a big second-half boost from their bench, which led them to a 2-0 victory over Chile and gave them a perfect record in clinching Group B.

Both sides will await Group A's matches later today to confirm their next opponent but the loss means Chile are likely to meet a Brazil team in their home country. The Netherlands meanwhile pick up a far easier draw, as they should face Mexico or Croatia in the Round of 16, with the potential for a Costa Rica/Ivory Coast draw in the quarterfinals. The Dutch will surely be pleased with that.

Very slow start to this game as both sides appeared to be holding back some. Whether they could not get in to the flow of the game or decided to hold off somewhat given they were already through is unknown but it made for an uninspiring first hour of soccer in Sao Paulo.

Chile the better team in the first half as they were able to get some sustained pressure and run of play in the Dutch third. Chile were not able to penetrate a tight Dutch defensive shell though and showed little in the way of finishing touch when they did have chances. Best chance came for the Dutch though as Stefan de Vrij was able to get a head on an Arjen Robben free kick but directed the ball just wide. It would have been the central defender's second goal of this World Cup.

Robben turned up his performance as the game progressed, unleashing some long pacey runs that challenged the Chilean defence to hold up. But despite his heroics, the Dutch needed a boost from their subs in order to secure the group.

Memphis Depay and Leroy Fer came on with about 20 minutes left and provided an immediate impact on this game.

With Dutch pressure building, Fer was able to get unmarked in the penalty area on a corner kick and headed home a cross from Daryl Janmaat for a 1-0 lead.

Chile, needing a win to avoid second place in the group tried to force pressure on the Dutch goal but a turnover on a corner kick led to Robben racing downfield. Showing excellent patience on the ball, Robben waited for his defender to commit and delivered a perfect cross to Depay for the second goal. Brilliant effort by both Robben to win the open cross and Depay to race from his own penalty area to the opposing goal to provide an outlet for Robben.

Goals

Netherlands: Leroy Fer (77'), Memphis Depay (90+2')
Chile: N/A

Discipline

Netherlands: Daley Blind (Yellow 64')
Chile: Francisco Silva (Yellow 25')

Man of the Match

Arjen Robben named Man of the Match. Robben had several great runs through the middle of the park in this match including one phenomenal one from inside his own half that ended just wide of goal. Got on the scoresheet in injury time with a quality assist to Memphis Depay to seal the win for the Dutch.

Key Moment

It was a mostly dull contest between Chile and Netherlands before opening up in the end. Netherlands inserted Leroy Fer in to the lineup in the 75th minute and not 3 minutes later had a lead courtesy of Fer. Netherlands played a corner kick short to Daryl Janmaat who delivered a perfect cross to an unmarked Fer, whose headed effort snuck inside the far post past a leaping Claudio Bravo.

What we learned from Netherlands

Not the best showing offensively from the Dutch who were without van Persie and had a struggling Wesley Sneijder. Were still able to use the speed of Robben and Depay later to stretch Chile for goals. Dealt very well with the Chilean attack. Very physical on defence which upset Chile who felt they weren't getting any calls. Excellent job one-on-one with Chilean players on the ball as well. Didn't extend themselves too far as they were already through but still a solid performance.

What we learned from Chile

Had free run of the field in their last 2 games but appeared to have difficulty dealing with the size and physical presence of the Dutch, particularly in the attacking third. That will pose a problem for them if Brazil is their Round of 16 matchup. May have let off a bit to rest for the knockout round as their passing wasn't nearly as crisp as we have seen it and they held back on a lot of opportunities to get behind the Dutch defence.

Going Forward 

Netherlands win the group outright and will PROBABLY face the victor of Mexico and Croatia later today. Chile appear destined for a date with Brazil which should be wildly entertaining to watch.

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