The Netherlands and their Chilean counterparts have progressed to the second round after coming tops in Group B at the ongoing Brazil 2014 World Cup.
The Dutch stuck to the top with a two-nil win over Chile, while the defending champions, Spain, and Australia were sent packing from the competition.
Netherlands and Chile failed to threaten during the opening stages as Chile stifled the attacking prowess of the Dutch.
The Netherlands showed more attacking intent and they were inches away from taking the lead late on in the half as Arjen Robben shot narrowly wide following a trademark run through Chile’s defence.
Chile created the first meaningful opportunity of the second period when Sanchez blasted the ball over from 25 yards.
However, both sides continued to struggle in front of goal during what remained a cagey encounter between two physical nations.
Substitute Memphis Depay had a powerful drive tipped over with 25 minutes left before the Dutch finally opened the scoring when a corner was headed in by Leroy Fer, who had only been introduced off the bench moments earlier.
Chile pushed hard for an equaliser as Marcelo Diaz and Sanchez both threatened, but they were unable to breach the Netherlands’s solid defence.
Instead, the 2010 finalists sealed the win in added time through Depay, who tapped in from close range following a cross from Robben.
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