Van Persie scores again for Dutch
Robin van Persie made it 11 goals in his last 10 internationals by hammering home in the Netherlands' 3-2 triumph over Australia in Porto Alegre.
Louis van Gaal's men were not as impressive as they were in slaughtering Spain 5-1 last Friday but collected another three points in Group B despite falling behind in the second half. Van Persie also picked up a yellow card and will miss the final group fixture against Chile through suspension.
The Socceroos competed well throughout and van Persie struggled for service as his team's spearhead. Aside from a trademark headed clearance to a corner, he was not heavily involved and saw Arjen Robben initially overtake him in the goal stakes with his third of the tournament.
The Bayern Munich left-winger sped through the defence for a solo effort to provide a boost for van Gaal's men. However, the celebrations had barely died down when, one minute and nine seconds later, Tim Cahill showed what he can do with his left foot by unleashing a startling volley that thundered in off the underside of Jasper Cillesson's bar.
Australia continued to pose problems and created the clearer chances of the first half although van Persie was unlucky on one occasion to see the ball bounce up and hit his arm when controlling it inside the box. The start of the second period was no better for the Dutch skipper as he was booked for catching Matthew Spiranovic in the face.
Worse was to follow for Holland with Daryl Janmaat harshly adjudged to have handled Oliver Bozanic's cross from close range and Mile Jedinak sent Cillesson the wrong way from the spot. The lead lasted only four minutes as van Persie was played onside as he collected a Memphis Depay pass and took full advantage. There was never any doubt he would score as his powerful drive had the net billowing.
Van Persie survived calls for a second yellow card after a foul on Jedinak but, soon after Leckie chested an effort into Cillesson's grateful arms, Depay's long-ranger found its way past Maty Ryan's unconvincing dive to hand van Gaal's side the lead. The coach withdrew his captain with three minutes remaining, safe in the knowledge that the United star is now joint-leading scorer in the tournament with Robben and Germany's Thomas Muller.
RVP the super sub! :bsmilie:
Robin van Persie made it 11 goals in his last 10 internationals by hammering home in the Netherlands' 3-2 triumph over Australia in Porto Alegre.
Louis van Gaal's men were not as impressive as they were in slaughtering Spain 5-1 last Friday but collected another three points in Group B despite falling behind in the second half. Van Persie also picked up a yellow card and will miss the final group fixture against Chile through suspension.
The Socceroos competed well throughout and van Persie struggled for service as his team's spearhead. Aside from a trademark headed clearance to a corner, he was not heavily involved and saw Arjen Robben initially overtake him in the goal stakes with his third of the tournament.
The Bayern Munich left-winger sped through the defence for a solo effort to provide a boost for van Gaal's men. However, the celebrations had barely died down when, one minute and nine seconds later, Tim Cahill showed what he can do with his left foot by unleashing a startling volley that thundered in off the underside of Jasper Cillesson's bar.
Australia continued to pose problems and created the clearer chances of the first half although van Persie was unlucky on one occasion to see the ball bounce up and hit his arm when controlling it inside the box. The start of the second period was no better for the Dutch skipper as he was booked for catching Matthew Spiranovic in the face.
Worse was to follow for Holland with Daryl Janmaat harshly adjudged to have handled Oliver Bozanic's cross from close range and Mile Jedinak sent Cillesson the wrong way from the spot. The lead lasted only four minutes as van Persie was played onside as he collected a Memphis Depay pass and took full advantage. There was never any doubt he would score as his powerful drive had the net billowing.
Van Persie survived calls for a second yellow card after a foul on Jedinak but, soon after Leckie chested an effort into Cillesson's grateful arms, Depay's long-ranger found its way past Maty Ryan's unconvincing dive to hand van Gaal's side the lead. The coach withdrew his captain with three minutes remaining, safe in the knowledge that the United star is now joint-leading scorer in the tournament with Robben and Germany's Thomas Muller.
RVP the super sub! :bsmilie:
