Robin Van Persie, Arjen Robben score as Netherlands down gutsy Australia

Published on: 18 June 2014
Robin Van Persie, Arjen Robben score as Netherlands down gutsy Australia
Van Persie celebrating

A second-half by strike by substitute Memphis Depay gave Netherlands a 3-2 comeback victory over Australia in an absorbing World Cup Group B match on Wednesday.

The result puts Netherlands into a strong position to advance to the last 16 with two wins, including the opening 5-1 rout of defending champion Spain. It almost surely puts Australia out of contention with two defeats.

The Dutch opened the scoring in the 20th minute through a Arjen Robben solo effort but Australia responded seconds later, with Tim Cahill's stunning volley making it 1-1 before the halftime break.

Australia took a surprise lead with a penalty after Daryl Janmaat handled the ball but Robin Van Persie made it 2-2 after collecting the ball in space on the edge of the penalty area and shooting low.

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