Brazil, Netherlands claim top spots in group deciders

SAO PAULO, June 24 (AFP): Neymar scored twice as Brazil thrashed Cameroon 4-1 to reach the World Cup knockout rounds just ahead of group rivals Mexico on Monday.
A thrilling finale to Group A saw the hosts surge past Cameroon in Brasilia while Mexico downed Croatia 3-1 in Recife. The Netherlands beat Chile 2-0 to take top spot in Group B.
Brazil finished top of their group on seven points, leading Mexico, also with seven, on goal difference.
Brazil will play Group B runners-up Chile in Belo Horizonte on Saturday while Mexico will face the Netherlands in Fortaleza on Sunday.
In Monday's earlier games, the Netherlands ensured top spot in Group B-and a date with Mexico-by beating Chile 2-0 in Sao Paulo.
Super-subs Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay grabbed the late goals to settle a hard-fought clash.
The victory gave the 2010 runners-up a 100 per cent record after earlier wins against Spain and Australia.
The Netherlands, missing suspended captain Robin van Persie, finally broke through Chile's defence on 77 minutes.
Daryl Janmaat whipped in a cross and Fer rose high to thunder home a header.
In the dying minutes, Arjen Robben burst clear down the left flank and crossed for Depay to stab home from close range.
"We have to take time to enjoy this fantastic result but it shouldn't end here," said Robben.
"We have to change our mindset and look ahead because we really want to move forward."
Spain defeated Australia 3-0 in Group B's dead rubber, with David Villa, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata scoring.
Villa, 32, took his Spanish record goals tally to 59 in his 97th appearance with a clever backheeled finish on 36 minutes, in his last international appearance.
But Villa's goalscoring finale was scant consolation for Spain after a disastrous World Cup campaign which saw the 2010 champions knocked out after their first two matches.