The 2010 runners-up are on a mission at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The Netherlands capped off a strong run in the group stage on Monday by securing the top spot in Group B with a 2-0 win over Chile.
Entering the game needing just a tie to win the group, the Dutch poured it on with two late goals to earn a statement win.
After 76 minutes of scoreless play, Leroy Fer notched a header off a corner kick to put The Netherlands up 1-0. Memphis Depay topped it off in stoppage time with a goal off a beautiful feed from Arjen Robben to settle the final score at 2-0.
Returning to the international stage after losing to Spain in the 2010 World Cup finals, the Dutch went a perfect 3-0 in this tournament’s group play with a +7 goal differential.
In the other Group B matchup of the day, Spain saved what little face it could with a 3-0 win over Australia. The Spanish got a goal from David Villa in the 36th minute, then Fernando Torres and Juan Mata added two second-half goals to give the defending champions their only win of the 2014 World Cup.
The Netherlands will face off against the second-place finisher in Group A on Sunday, June 29, while Chile will take on the winner of Group A on Saturday, June 28 after finishing second in Group B. Brazil, Mexico and Croatia are all still alive in Group A.
Here are the final standings for Group B:
Netherlands — 9 points
Chile — 6 points
Spain — 3 points
Australia — 0 points
See the advancement scenarios for Groups A-H >>
Photo via Twitter/@BostonGlobe
