Netherlands coach, Louis van Gaal fielded, a team without players whose names contain “Van” in their last group game with Chile, yet the Dutch won 2-0. This is the first time since 1996 that a Dutch lineup has been ‘Van-less’.
This situation is partially the result of Robin van Persie’s suspension due to yellow-card accumulation. Were the Man United striker, who is currently tied for joint top scorer at the 2014 World Cup, available for selection, he would likely have been included in the squad.
Goals by substitutes Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay gave the Netherlands a 2-0 victory over Chile on Monday that put them top of World Cup Group B and in pole position to avoid a second-round meeting with Brazil.
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.
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Depay then ran on to a telling Arjen Robben pass to complete the win in stoppage time.
The Netherlands, beaten finalists in 2010, will now play the runners-up from Group A, probably Mexico or Croatia, while Chile, who finished second on six, will play the Group A winners, likely Brazil.
Spain, who beat Australia 3-0, finished third on three points with the Australians on zero.
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