0' All set for more Group B action, as Australia take on the Netherlands. The Dutch full of confidence after their thrashing of Spain, and Australia won't scare them. Australia stealing a point would be a massive upset, and you hope for some good football from both sides. However, the Australian defense showing plenty of weaknesses in their opener, and the Dutch offense making Spain look silly, have to bet on the Dutch in this one.
15' Well a third of the way through the first half and its Australia with the better chances thus far. Their attacks finding space, and you'd love to see them convert. It can only be a matter of time before the sleeping giants wake up and Australia are in trouble.
20' Robben opens the scoring for the Dutch. A beautiful counter attack that had the Dutch 3 on 1, and he beats the keeper with a beautiful run from midfield and a shot across the goal into the bottom right corner.
21' A minute later Cahill breathes life back into the Aussies, and no one was expecting that. A beautiful goal taken on the volley from a long cross that he hits with his left foot right into the underside of the cross bar. And that can only be described as one of the goals of the tournament thus far, and Australia still full of confidence after the exchange of goals. What a brilliant couple of minutes.
31' And Bresciano nearly makes it 2-1 Australia, coming in on goal to a pass floated across, and he sends it rocketing over the cross bar. Australia playing very well, with plenty of opportunity. They'll need to be careful of the counterattack, but they're putting the pressure on the Dutch, and I don't think anyone predicted this kind of half. A minute later and another good opportunity for Australia on a free kick, as the Dutch defender loses his man but the Australian striker unable to put enough on the ball to trouble the keeper. One has to wonder when the Dutch will pick their moment, as they seem to be coasting right now inviting danger from the Australians, who look like they might even take the lead going into the half if the Dutch keep playing the way they are.
43' And Cahill earns a yellow, having previously earned one in the opener, he will miss Australia's next match, and barring the unforeseen, this will be the last world cup match in his career. Hate to see that, but all you can hope for is an excellent second half from him to make up for it.
54' Oh my its Australia 2-1, a penalty given for a hand ball in the box, and one can hardly believe it. The Dutch stunned right now, but you have to think that this will only serve as a wake-up call, and Australia will have quite a test for the next 35 minutes. What a sensational start to the half.
58' Well the Dutch finally waking up, its a van Persie goal that brings things equal. He sneaks in past the defense, and is kept onside from the wing back on the opposite side. That almost looked too easy, and you have to wonder what the Dutch are waiting for, giving Australia the light of day here.
67' Nearly a third for the Australians, as the Dutch give the ball away. It's three on one in front of an open goal, and they can't convert. A minute later on the opposite side, a shot from way outside the box finds its way in for the Dutch, and they have the lead once more. Poor defending that, giving up too much space, and poor positioning from the keeper.
80' The pace slowing down some, but Australia still controlling the flow of the game, with plenty of opportunities in offense. The dutch seem content sitting back and launching the occasional counter attack. The Aussies starting to look a bit tired though, with the dutch showing no signs of fatigue themselves.
Final' Well at the end of the day the Dutch walk away with three points, and although they never looked challenged, the Australians played admirably, and put on one of the best performances thus far playing with their hearts in an all out effort. What an effort, but up against a giant just too big to be slain today. The dutch virtually assured of going through now, with the Australians now nearly assured of going home early. What a tournament thus far for the Australians, playing excellent attacking football, but their defense still weak. A good match this, full of the spirit of soccer that you always want to see. Joga Bonito Australia, Joga por sempre.
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