19 Jun 2014

Close call for Netherlands against Australia

1:38 pm on 19 June 2014

A long-range strike by substitute Memphis Depay gave the Netherlands a thrilling 3-2 win over Australia in their World Cup football clash in Brazil after an underdog Socceroos side had threatened to earn a famous victory.

The game was marked by end-to-end action and impressive goals - notably a stunning volley by Australia's Tim Cahill which cancelled out a goal by the Netherlands' Arjen Robben only a minute earlier.

But in the end, the mighty Dutch, conquerors of Cup holders Spain in their opening game, prevailed.

Cahill, whose 20-metre volley will be a contender for goal of the tournament, says the Socceroos can take plenty of pride from their performance.

The loss means Australia are out of finals contention. Chile and the Netherlands will advance with the winner from their clash to top the group.