Dutch, Croats win

The Netherlands on Wednesday needed goals from Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie to fight back against Australia before Memphis Depay’s long-range effort settled a thrilling game at Porto Alegre’s Beira-Rio Stadium. Van Persie will miss the next game against Chile, who eliminated defending champions Spain 2-0 also on Wednesday, though after picking up a second yellow card. And Louis van Gaal’s side were given an almighty fright by their fired up Australian opponents, who had taken a 2-1 lead through a spectacular Tim Cahill volley and a Mile Jedinak penalty. In the last game of the day, Cameroon joined Spain and Australia on the way out of Brazil after their loss to Croatia. Goals from Ivica Olic, Ivan Perisic and Mario Mandzukic (2) wrapped up the win for Croatia, who face Mexico in their final game. Cameroon’s campaign ended on a sour note with midfielder Alex Song sent off for punching Mandzukic in the back in the first half. It got worse for Cameroon in the dying minutes with defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto appearing to aim a headbutt at team-mate Benjamin Moukandjo before the fracas was broken up. Cameroon coach Volker Finke said afterwards: ‘I apologise for the result, it really hurts. We had no control on the game and I didn't like the behaviour of my team.’ Meawhile, Australian coach Ange Postecoglou said that he believes his side will become a force to be reckoned with at future World Cups despite being eliminated by a 3-2 defeat to the Dutch yesterday. Australia had deservedly led 2-1 just before the hour mark thanks to Tim Cahill’s stunning volley and Mile Jedinak’s penalty after Arjen Robben had given Holland the lead. However, Robin van Persie quickly levelled and Memphis Depay struck the winner with the aid of a goalkeeping mistake from Maty Ryan 22 minutes from time. After the match, Postecoglou insisted his young squad will become a force to be reckoned with at future tournaments, including the Asian Cup on home soil next year, if they continue their current rate of progress, according to AFP.