Netherlands beat Chile 2-0 to top Group B and secure a match with Mexico in the round of 16. Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay both came off the bench to score the goals that gave the Dutch the win in a match of few chances.
Louis Van Gaal's side were without captain Robin Van Persie as he was suspended for picking up his second yellow card against Australia previously. Instead, Arjen Robben wore the captain armband and lead the Dutch out.
Chile were off the back of a comprehensive 2-0 win over Spain, ending the hopes of the 2010 World Champions and looking to stop the flying Dutch.
Although both teams guilty of having an attacking flair, the match was a stalemate throughout. Chile looked most likely to break the deadlock in the beginning of the first half with favourable chances, as Eduardo Vargas created the first opening with a header over the crossbar. Towards the end of the first half Netherlands were bouncing back towards the break, and were becoming more dangerous.
As both sides had limited chances in the first half, the second half kicked off, but the match still looked like it could end in a 0-0 draw as both sides struggled for opportunities. Alexis flashed a shot over the bar from a fair distance out to sum up the match so far.
As the second half continued, Arjen Robben looked the most likely to score as he was often finding space in Chile's box.
Claudio Bravo was fired a warning shot by Memphis Depay with around 15 minutes remaining as the young talent fired from range.
The deadlock was finally broken just moments later when Daryl Janmaat delivered a cross that substitute Leroy Fer turned in with a powerful header.
As the match was closing Chile fought for the equaliser but it backfired when the Dutch counter attacked and Arjen Robben squared the ball for other substitute in Memphis Depay to turn in and seal the three points for the Netherlands.
The Netherlands as a result of their 2-0 win next face Mexico now who beat Croatia 3-1 in the round of 16, while Chile will face favourites Brazil in a match that will surely have attacking flair.
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