« Back to article

Print this article

PHOTOS: Impressive Dutch maintain unbeaten first round record

Second half goals by substitutes Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay gave the Netherlands a 2-0 win over Chile in Sao Paolo. 

The result maintained the impressive record the Dutch have in the early part of the tournament. It's been 13 matches since Oranje last lost in the group stages of the World Cup.

The Netherlands have now scored at least twice in their last 12 competitive fixtures.

On the other hand, the defeat deprived Chile of a record for their fifth successive win, the South Americans having lost just thrice in their last 26 matches. 

Both teams were already assured of progress and the game lacked intensity until Fer produced a prodigious leap to head home Daryl Janmaat's angled cross two minutes after coming on.

The Netherlands' win on Monday put them top of Group B and they likely to avoid a second-round meeting with Brazil.

- Complete coverage of the football World Cup

Please click NEXT for more...

 

 

Captain Robben led from the front

Arjen Robben was given the captain's armband in the absence of the suspended Robin van Persie.

The Bayern Munich player, though selfish at times, was impressive and played a part in the second goal. 

However, Robben's failure to score meant he will have to wait to overtake Johnny Rep's tally of seven goals, the best for a Dutch player at the World Cup.

Please click NEXT for more...

Sanchez was the most impressive player for Chile

Alexis Sanchez was the most impressive player for Chile. 

With Juventus talisman Arturo Vidal rested, Sanchez was expected to inspire his side.

The Barcelona star was at his usual best, making the Dutch defense work hard. However, despite all his efforts Chile failed to score. 

Daley Blind, so impressive in the opener against Spain, cut a sorry figure on the day. He was the lone Dutch player to receive a yellow card. 

Please click NEXT for more...

Depay scored the 99th goal of this World Cup

With Chile desperate to equalize it was always going to be dangerous, especially considering the fact that the Dutch are a side that capitalize on counterattacks. 

And it happened exactly as expected when substitute Memphis Depay footed in Robben's cross in added time. 

The PSV Eindhoven player, who scored the winner against Australia, notched what was the 99th goal of this World Cup.