Netherlands Wins Group B With 2-0 Defeat Of Chile (PHOTOS)

Netherlands Wins World Cup Group
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - JUNE 23: Leroy Fer of the Netherlands celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group B match between the Netherlands and Chile at Arena de Sao Paulo on June 23, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - JUNE 23: Leroy Fer of the Netherlands celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group B match between the Netherlands and Chile at Arena de Sao Paulo on June 23, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Netherlands and Chile took the field in Sao Paulo knowing that they would survive to play another day at the 2014 World Cup. Both teams had already secured spots in the Round of 16 by registering wins over Spain and Australia. But that didn't mean the stakes weren't high in the teams' final group-stage game.

The winner would avoid a likely second-round matchup against Brazil.

With the Selecao looming, the Netherlands defeated Chile, 2-0, at Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo on Monday to win Group B. The match was scoreless deep into the second half as both teams were without key players. Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli held midfielder Arturo Vidal out of the lineup and the Netherlands were without striker Robin Van Persie due to suspension. As those dynamic players watched, it was a pair of reserves called on by Dutch coach Luis van Gaal who made the difference. Second-half substitutes Memphis Depay and Leroy Fer contributed the game's only goals in the 77th and 92nd minutes.

"We gave nothing away and fought like lions," Netherlands striker Arjen Robben told reporters after the win, via The Associated Press. "Orange lions."

As the top team in the group, the Netherlands will face the runner-up in Group A in the Round of 16. As the runner-up in Group B, Chile will face the winner of Group A in the next stage. When the Netherlands and Chile took the field on Monday, Brazil was atop Group A, leading Mexico on goal differential.

group b

group a

The final games in Group A were scheduled for later on Monday. The World Cup hosts face Cameroon in Brasilia while Mexico takes on Croatia in Recife.

Before You Go

Netherlands v Chile: Group B - 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil

PHOTOS: Netherlands vs. Chile

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