MX23RW : Saturday, February 1 09:16:11| >> :600:176903011:176903011:
Jun 23, 2014 at 5pm UK at ​Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo
Netherlands
2-0
Chile
Fer (76'), Depay (90')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Result: Netherlands beat Chile to top group

The Netherlands finish at the top of World Cup Group B thanks to a 2-0 win over Chile in Sao Paulo.

The Netherlands have finished top of World Cup Group B thanks to a 2-0 win over Chile in Sao Paulo.

The two sides failed to threaten during the opening stages as Chile stifled the attacking prowess of the Dutch.

However, the South Americans almost took the lead with 20 minutes played as Felipe Gutierrez fired high over the crossbar from the edge of the box following a clever corner routine.

The Netherlands were up the other end moments later, but Georginio Wijnaldum screwed his shot wide when he had plenty of time and space to do better.

Holland's Daley Blind and Ron Vlaar argue with Chile's Alexis Sanchez on June 23, 2014.© Getty Images

Louis van Gaal's side had an opening again soon after as they began to take control of the contest, though Wesley Sneijder could only hit his free kick straight at the goalkeeper.

The Chileans were calling for a penalty on 30 minutes when Eduardo Vargas was brought down by Daley Blind, but the referee correctly waved away the appeals.

The Netherlands continued to show more attacking intent, and they were inches away from taking the lead late on in the half as Arjen Robben shot narrowly wide following a trademark run through Chile's defence.

Chile created the first meaningful opportunity of the second period when Sanchez blasted the ball over from 25 yards.

However, both sides continued to struggle in front of goal during what remained a cagey encounter between two physical nations.

Netherlands' midfielder Leroy Fer celebrates scoring with his teammates during the Group B football match between Netherlands and Chile at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 23, 2014© Getty Images

Substitute Memphis Depay had a powerful drive tipped over with 25 minutes left before the Dutch finally opened the scoring when a corner was headed in by Leroy Fer, who had only been introduced off the bench moments earlier.

Chile pushed hard for an equaliser as Marcelo Diaz and Sanchez both threatened, but they were unable to breach the Netherlands' solid defence.

Instead, the 2010 finalists sealed the win in added time through Depay, who tapped in from close range following a cross from Robben.

body check tags ::
Share this article now:
New Instagram promo
Netherlands' forward Arjen Robben vies with Chile's midfielder Charles Aranguiz during a Group B football match between Netherlands and Chile at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo during the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 23, 2014
Read Next:
Half-Time Report: Goalless between Netherlands, Chile
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.

rhs 2.0
Premier League
Australian Open Final
8.30am
Kenin
Muguruza
Championship
Six Nations
La Liga
Serie A
Bundesliga
Ligue 1
Eredivisie
Primeira Liga
Scottish Premiership
League One
League Two
National League
Scottish Championship
Scottish League One
Scottish League Two
Turkish Super Lig
Belgian Pro League
Greek Superleague
Swiss Super League
Segunda Division
2.Bundesliga
Ligue 2
Serie B
Argentine Primera Division
Liga MX
Australian A-League
International Friendlies
Super League
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool24231056154170
2Manchester CityMan City24163565273851
3Leicester CityLeicester24153652242848
4Chelsea2412484132940
5Manchester UnitedMan Utd249783629734
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs249783832634
7Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2481063532334
8Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd248972523233
9Southampton2494113142-1131
10Arsenal2461263234-230
11Crystal Palace247982228-630
12Everton2486102835-730
13Burnley2493122838-1030
14Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2486102436-1230
15Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2467112734-725
16Aston Villa2474133145-1425
17West Ham UnitedWest Ham2465132740-1323
18Bournemouth2465132337-1423
19Watford2458112136-1523
20Norwich CityNorwich2445152447-2317

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!