FINAL - Australia 2, Netherlands 3: Oranje in control of Group B after thrilling win

Considering how colorful these two sets of fans are, perhaps we should have known that today’s match between Australia and the Netherlands would be just as vibrant.

Lead changes. Controversy. Stunning goals. We saw it all today.

A tally from substitute Memphis Depay was the difference, as the Netherlands escaped Porto Alegre with a 3-2 victory in a match that instantly becomes one of the most enthralling of the tournament so far.

An uneventful opening 20 minutes gave way to a bevy of action the rest of the way, which now sees the Dutch virtually assured of a place in the knockout stages.

Arjen Robben gave the Dutch the lead in the 20th minute, but barely had time to celebrate before Tim Cahill brought the footballing world to its feet with a brilliant volley that has assumed the mantle as the best goal of the competition.

All square at the half.

The Socceroos were awarded a dubious penalty less than ten minutes into the second half, and captain Mile Jedinak easily converted to send a pro-Australian crowd into a frenzy.

It too was short lived.

Robin van Persie was inexplicably left all alone inside the penalty area four minutes later. You can probably guess what happened there. Holland had the upper hand, and made good on it in the 68th minute.

Depay’s winner, which ‘keeper Mathew Ryan will want to have back when he looks at the replay, was the eighth for the Dutch in just two matches.

After losing in such disparaging fashion, and seeing their chances of moving on all but come to an end, this seems appropriate:

Also, spare a thought for Tim Cahill, who, after scoring his incredible goal, received a yellow card that rules him out of the next match against Spain, meaning he has likely played his last ever World Cup match.