In the end, a swish of Memphis Depay’s right boot and a misjudgment by Mat Ryan supplied the anticipated result, but the Netherlands’ victory against Australia was anything but straightforward.
In a World Cup that has enthralled and enchanted, this was arguably its finest fixture thus far. Predictable, it was most certainly not.
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Remember, the Netherlands had eviscerated Spain, the reigning world champions, in Group B’s opening match. Remember also that, despite an impressive display in defeat to Chile, Australia’s class of 2014 has been largely labelled a work in progress.
Yet, Ange Postecoglou’s nascent side were dogged and determined against their supposed loftier opponents, and almost gave the tournament another unlikely storyline. The Netherlands can count themselves lucky, triumphing 3-2 at Porto Alegre’s resplendent Estadio Beira-Rio, although with three points secured they took a giant leap forward.
The Dutchmen’s quality eventually saw them through. Australia, though, deserve a huge amount of credit for their performance and whatever happens in next Monday’s clash with Spain they will depart Brazil with heads held high.
Postecoglou has entrusted a number of World Cup rookies to hold their own in a desperately daunting pool and, in both defeats, they have done just that. In the south of their temporary home this month, reputations continued to head north.
“The players were magnificent,” said Postecoglou. “They took the game to a world-class team, full credit to them. I’m just bitterly disappointed we didn’t get something from it.”
Until Depay struck the winner on 68 minutes, Australia appeared set to take at least a share of the spoils. They had gone a goal down midway through the first half when Arjen Robben sprinted from just beyond the centre circle and fired his shot across Ryan; the Bayern Munich winger making it three goals in two matches at this World Cup.
Australia responded immediately with Tim Cahill lashing a sublime volley over goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen and down off the underside of the crossbar.
Postecoglou’s men could have been content with providing merely a classy flourish to the encounter, but they took the lead nine minutes after half-time. The penalty seemed harsh – Daryl Janmaat could do little about blocking Oliver Bozanic’s cross with his arm – and it left Mile Jedinak, the Australia captain, to slot home from the spot.
The Netherlands had already sent on Depay, the exciting PSV Eindhoven midfielder, and he swiftly changed the tie. First, he expertly released Robin van Persie to make it 2-2.
Then, moments after Australia nearly scored again, Depay fired home the winner from long range. Having got across to the ball, Ryan will be disappointed he let it slip through his gloves.
Louis van Gaal, the Netherlands coach, had complained before the match about his restricted view from the dugout, so he may have missed much of a pulsating tussle.
What he needs now, though, is 20-20 vision. His side, keen to prove their cruel vanquishing of Spain was no flash in the pan, must be tighter at the back the deeper they go in Brazil.
For Australia, no matter what transpires against the Spanish next week, this has been a coming-of-age experience.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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