The score was settled in group B before the last round of group stage matches even began. With both the Netherlands and Chile on 6 points after their first two matches, they were already guaranteed spots in the top 16. All that needed to be decided in their last round clash was which team would top the group and which would be able to avoid playing against hosts Brazil who have a 12th man playing for them with a rabidly passionate home crowd.
FIFA WORLD CUP 2014
Group B Match Results:
Netherlands 2-0 Chile
Spain 3-0 Australia
QUALIFIED: 1. Netherlands, 2. Chile
The Dutch team still has a flame lighting them up from behind after a first round thrashing of defending champions Spain. Chile also have momentum behind them after successfully showing the door to La Furia Roja. It all came down to the final day and the Dutch came out on top edging the South Americans 2-0.
Spain and Australia played for pride and not much more with both teams already mathematically out as they came into the third round of matches. Spain excluded besieged keeper Iker Casillas to give Pepe Reina a chance to guard the net. David Villa showed moments of the glory days with a beautifully crafted back flick goal to open the scoring. In the end, SPain were on top 3-0 but the disappointment and devastation was still palpable as they walked off the field to mark the end of their title defence.
See full group B results and standings here.
Chile's Alexis Sanchez (R) argues with Dirk Kuyt (L) and Ron Vlaar of the Netherlands during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo June 23, 2014. REUTERSChile's Gary Medel reacts during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match against Netherlands at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo June 23, 2014. REUTERSArjen Robben of the Netherlands celebrates the team's second goal scored by Memphis Depay (not pictured) during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match against Chile at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo June 23, 2014. Robben assisted with a pass. REUTERSArjen Robben of the Netherlands gestures to the video camera as he celebrates his team's win over Chile beside their national soccer players at the end of their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo June 23, 2014. REUTERSArjen Robben of the Netherlands (C) falls between Chile's Gonzalo Jara and Eugenio Mena (R) while fighting for the ball during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo June 23, 2014. REUTERSSpain's David Villa (R) is embraced by Australia's Matt McKay (C) as he is replaced by teammate Juan Mata (not pictured), during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba June 23, 2014. REUTERSSpain's David Villa scores a goal with a back flick kick during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match against Australia at the Baixada arena in Curitiba June 23, 2014. REUTERSAustralia's Ryan McGowan reacts as Spain's players celebrate their second goal against Australia during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba June 23, 2014. REUTERSAustralia's players acknowledge their fans as they leave the pitch following their loss to Spain after their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba June 23, 2014. REUTERSFans try to grab a boot thrown to them by Spain's goalkeeper Iker Casillas at the end of their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match against Australia at the Baixada arena in Curitiba June 23, 2014. REUTERSSpain's Fernando Torres (L) celebrates after their third goal against Australia with team mate Juan Mata during their 2014 World Cup Group B soccer match at the Baixada arena in Curitiba June 23, 2014. REUTERS
