Leroy Fer scored in the 77th minute and Memphis Depay added a goal in stoppage time as the Netherlands won Group B in the 2014 World Cup with a 1-0 decision over Chile in Monday’s group finale.
It was another close win for Louis van Gaal’s squad, which did not have a player with ‘van’ in the lineup for the first time since 1996.
Netherlands now gets the second-place team in Group A, likely Mexico or Croatia, while Chile earns a date with the winner (likely a tantalizing match with host nation Brazil).
[ MORE: Mexico surge past Croatia | Neymar lifts Brazil | Spain conquers Socceroos ]
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It was a sleepy affair without a great deal of offense, as the intensity of both nations knowing their may have played a role in the great deal of nothing. This was especially true in the first half.
How brutal was it? This’ll help the description.0 - #NED v #CHI is the first game to have failed to produce a shot on target in the first-half at this World Cup. Silence.
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) June 23, 2014
The second half at least supplied some moments, as Dirk Kuyt headed a strong Arjen Robben corner kick wide of the Chile goal in the 75th minute. Memphis lashed a shot on goal in the 77th that was deflected over the bar by Bravo.
But Fer, the Norwich City man, found the target on a free kick moments later, turning his head into a hammer to make it 1-0.
[ MORE: Soccerly examines how Dutch won the group ]
Chile carried possession, danger and corner kicks late, but could not find their way through for an equalizer. Then Robben’s counter ended with a gorgeous low pass that Memphis buried for his second goal in as many matches.
Memphis, 20, is a transfer rumor favorite this offseason for Manchester United and Real Madrid amongst others.
Lineups
Chile: Bravo; Silva (Valdivia, 70'), Medel, Jara; Mena, Isla, Aranguiz, Diaz; Gutierrez (Beausejour, 46'); Sanchez, Vargas (Ferrara, 80')
Netherlands: Cillessen; Vlaar, de Vrij, Blind; Janmaat, de Jong, Wijnaldum, Kuyt )(Kongolo, 89'); Sneijder (Fer, 75'); Robben, Lens (Memphis, 68')
Goals: (Fer, 77'), Memphis (90+2')