SPAIN 3-0 AUSTRALIA

Spain salvaged a modicum of pride from their woeful FIFA World Cup defence by beating Australia 3-0 in Curitiba on Monday.

Vicente del Bosque's men headed into their final group fixture knowing they could no longer reach the knockout stages following defeats to the Netherlands and Chile.

However, goals from David Villa, on his last international appearance, Fernando Torres and substitute Juan Mata ensured Spain at least signed off from the competition with victory, and avoided finishing bottom of Group B.

Spain's famous tiki-taka style has been derided in some quarters following their elimination, while there is also doubt over the future of Del Bosque.

The defending champions were far from their fluent best on this occasion, but still did enough to earn an ultimately comfortable win.

After a slow opening, Spain turned up the tempo and Villa broke the deadlock nine minutes before the break with an improvised flick from close range, giving Australian fans a timely reminder of his talent ahead of his upcoming loan spell in the A-League with Melbourne City.

The impressive Andres Iniesta, collecting his 100th cap, then set up Torres for a second in the 69th minute, before Mata - Villa's replacement - rounded off the scoring late on.

Spain will still leave Brazil knowing they have much to ponder, while Australia can move forward with optimism after drawing plaudits for their plucky performances throughout the tournament.

Villa, Torres and goalkeeper Pepe Reina were handed starts as Spain made a raft of changes, with the much-maligned Iker Casillas and Diego Costa among those dropping to the bench.

Australia showed more attacking vibrancy during a tepid opening, yet it was Spain who fashioned the first chance of note in the 20th minute.

Iniesta worked space on the right and showed great vision to pick out Villa at the back post, only for the forward to lash his volley wide.

Spain began to up the ante thereafter and Iniesta's clever backheel sent Jordi Alba free, but the full-back shot straight at Mat Ryan.

The lively Villa then showed neat trickery to bamboozle Mile Jedinak and fired a teasing cross along the six-yard box that neither Koke nor Torres could connect with.

However, Australia's resistance was broken in the 36th minute.

Iniesta's probing throughball caught Jason Davidson flat-footed and Juanfran got to the right byline before pulling back for Villa, who provided an ingenious close-range flick from behind his standing leg.

Spain struggled to rediscover a high tempo after the break, with several misplaced passes curtailing promising attacks.

The biggest round of applause for the second half was reserved for Villa, who was replaced by Mata shortly before the hour mark, the 32-year-old shaking his head as he emotionally exited the pitch before burying his head in his hands on the substitutes bench.

Spain's control of possession provided a second with just under 20 minutes remaining.

Iniesta was once again the architect with a defence-splitting pass that Torres collected on the left of the box before calmly slotting right-footed into the far corner.

Further gloss was added to the scoreline in the closing stages when substitute Cesc Fabregas picked out Mata in the penalty area, and the Manchester United man slipped the ball under goalkeeper Ryan.

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NETHERLANDS 2-0 CHILE

Substitutes Leroy Fey and Memphis Depay ensured the Netherlands won Group B of the FIFA World Cup by beating Chile 2-0.

The pair found the net inside the last 15 minutes to settle a largely forgettable encounter in Sao Paulo on Monday and ensure that Louis van Gaal's men will likely avoid host nation Brazil in the last 16.

A meeting of two of the competition's most eye-catching teams had been highly anticipated, yet it had failed to live up to its billing before late heroics from Fer and Depay.

Indeed, with the Netherlands - shorn of suspended star striker Robin van Persie and requiring just a draw - opting for a cautious approach, two counter-attacking sides largely cancelled each other out.

But it was always Van Gaal's men who had looked the most likely to secure victory, with their third successive triumph ultimately coming from two unlikely sources.

Chile, though, can still take solace from having already secured their spot in the knockout phase, where it seems certain Croatia or Mexico await.

With both sides sitting back, the game lacked any real ingenuity during the opening exchanges.

It was Chile who created the first opening, Eduardo Vargas heading over the crossbar.

The South Americans were beginning to enjoy the better of proceedings and came close to breaking the deadlock when Felipe Gutierrez curled over after being picked out by Alexis Sanchez's clever corner.

But Van Gaal's men responded well, enjoying a good spell towards the end of the opening period.

Netherlands' endeavour almost brought reward, too, as Stefan de Vrij headed Arjen Robben's vicious, curling free-kick wide.

Suddenly starting to make his presence felt, Robben illustrated his vast quality when picking up the ball inside his own half before beating two players and shooting narrowly wide.

The game was taking on an end-to-end nature, epitomised by an unmarked Gutierrez back-heading wide from Marcelo Diaz's set-piece.

Any momentum built up before the break had disappeared afterwards as both sides struggled to fashion opportunities, the desperation best summed up when Sanchez hit wildly over from 35 yards.

Robben still looked the likeliest of the Netherlands' attacking players, firing straight at Claudio Bravo after wriggling into space in the box.

Bravo had to be on high alert with 15 minutes to go, turning Depay's 20-yard effort over the crossbar.

Yet he could do little moments later as Fer met Daryl Janmaat's centre with a bullet header that flew into the corner.

Chile responded with expected verve, yet that desire to force an equaliser ultimately proved their undoing as Robben tricked his way down the left and squared superbly for Depay to tap home in injury time.

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BRAZIL 4-1 CAMEROON

Neymar was at his talismanic best as Brazil earned a 4-1 FIFA World Cup win over Cameroon to finish top of Group A.

The idolised forward feasted upon a vulnerable defence with glee in Brasilia on Monday, his first-half double sandwiching Joel Matip's unlikely leveller.

Brazil ultimately progressed with a degree of comfort, the much-maligned Fred and substitute Fernandinho adding further goals after the interval to secure a last-16 tie against fellow South Americans Chile.

Mexico were victorious against Croatia in Group A's other closing fixture, but failed to make up a goal-difference deficit as the hosts retained top spot.

While a routine triumph in which Brazil's star took his tournament tally to four goals will provide comfort, Luiz Felipe Scolari is unlikely to partake in too much backslapping.

Indeed, after coming through a group featuring no other major footballing powerhouse, Scolari is likely to demand more of his side as they prepare to face a Chile outfit that have impressed in the tournament to date.

The game immediately took on a frenetic nature as Paulinho and Vincent Aboubakar had goal-bound efforts blocked at either end.

It was Cameroon's susceptible backline that was first to be breached when Neymar, inexplicably unmarked, cleverly turned home Luiz Gustavo's low cross from the left.

Brazil's golden boy came agonisingly close to a second soon after, Charles Itandje producing a fine save to keep out his fizzing volley.

Despite their defence appearing increasingly hapless, Cameroon looked dangerous at the other end and fired a warning shot as Matip's header rattled the crossbar.

Not heeding the lesson proved costly for the hosts, too, as Matip side-footed Allan Nyom's cross into an empty net the next time he got an opportunity.

With Brazil seeking a response to increasing Cameroon pressure, Neymar again stepped up, albeit with the help of some more schoolboy defending; afforded far too much space once more, the Barcelona forward cut inside from the left and sent Itandje the wrong way.

While those in front of him wilted in the face of pressure, Itandje was at least attempting to provide a steadying influence, getting down quickly to turn away Hulk's speculative hit.

The goalkeeper had to be on high alert again after the interval, denying Hulk and Neymar in quick succession.

But he could do little as another Brazilian, this time Fred, was left free in the area, the under-pressure forward heading home David Luiz's pass.

Brazil opted for a more controlled approach thereafter, epitomised by their willingness to withdraw Neymar after 71 minutes.

Even then, the drama was not finished, with Mexico threatening to steal the group after scoring three quick goals against Croatia.

However, the impressive Fernandinho, who came on as a half-time replacement for Paulinho, settled any nerves with a cool finish following a fine move involving Oscar and Fred.

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MEXICO V CROATIA PREVIEW

Everything is on the line in Recife on Monday as both Croatia and Mexico dream of reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stages.

After collecting four points from their opening two matches in Group A, Mexico know a draw will secure a last-16 appearance at their sixth successive finals.

The Central American nation have yet to concede a goal so far in the competition, a feat only Nigeria have matched, and captain Rafael Marquez is keen to continue to build from the back.

However, Croatia will be brimming with confidence after a 4-0 thrashing of Cameroon on Wednesday.

That result helped go some way to erasing the disappointment of an opening-day defeat to Brazil for Niko Kovac's side and Marquez expects a tough encounter, given Croatia - on three points - almost certainly need a win to progress as the hosts will be expected to beat Cameroon in the other game.

"We've always known we were going to face tough opponents," he told FIFA.com. "Croatia have loads of very talented players.

"They've got very quick wingers who can get to the byline and put the ball in the box.

"They've also got a lethal striker (Mario Mandzukic) and some of the best central midfielders around. They're a great team, so it won't be easy.

"We'll have to give our best to get at least a point and move on to the next phase. Keeping clean sheets has been key for us and we're determined to keep that going."

While Mexico have not thrilled in their two matches, Croatia were extremely impressive in their demolition of 10-man Cameroon in Manaus, with Kovac is unlikely to make any changes.

The form of Mario Mandzukic will be key, having already seen the value the Bayern Munich striker brings after he returned following suspension last time out and scored twice.

Goals are by no means easy to come by against Miguel Herrera's Mexico side, especially if goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa produces a display similar to that against Brazil.

The 28-year-old made a string of good saves and will need to be at his best again to keep Mexico's hopes alive.

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NETHERLAND V CHILE PREVIEW

Netherland v Chile preview

Chile have almost certainly been the most impressive team at the World Cup so far, living up to pre-tournament expectations of exciting, attacking football and eliminating Spain in the process. However, the Netherlands certainly haven't been slouches either, blowing the defending champions away, 5-1, in their match. These sides sit joint-top of Group B heading into their meeting on Monday, with the top group spot still to play for.

If this game ends in a draw, the Netherlands will top the group by virtue of goal difference. That means we should expect Chile to throw what little caution they have to the wind, as they'd progress in second place even with a defeat. They really do have nothing to lose. The winner of Group B will avoid having to play the winner of Group A in the Round of 16, and given that will likely be hosts Brazil, it's a significant prize.


The Netherlands will likely be without centre-back Bruno Martins Indi, who has been suffering from post-concussion symptoms since being withdrawn in their 3-2 win over Australia. If coach Louis van Gaal elects to stick with three centre-backs, Joel Veltman or Terence Kongolo would replace him, though it's looking increasingly like he'll switch to a 4-3-3 for this match. With striker Robin van Persie suspended, it may well be Klaas-Jan Huntelaar who's flanked by Memphis Depay and Arjen Robben.

Chile also have an injury concern ahead of the game, with wing-back Mauricio Isla struggling with a hamstring problem. However, a scan revealed no significant injury, so he could still be fit to play. As with the Dutch, there are questions over whether coach Jorge Sampaoli will start with a back three or four, with the former having been preferred in the convincing victory over Spain, and the latter in the rather less-convincing win against Australia.

Projected lineups (left to right)

Netherlands (4-3-3): Jasper Cillessen; Daley Blind, Ron Vlaar, Stefan de Vrij, Daryl Janmaat; Jonathan de Guzmán, Nigel de Jong, Wesley Sneijder; Memphis Depay, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Arjen Robben.

Chile (3-4-1-2): Claudio Bravo; Gonzalo Jara, Gary Medel, Francisco Silva; Eugenio Mena, Marcelo Díaz, Charles Aránguiz, Mauricio Isla; Arturo Vidal; Eduardo Vargas, Alexis Sánchez.


Key matchups

Pressing and positional discipline - Both the Netherlands and Chile have placed a heavy emphasis on high pressing and swift counter-attacks in their other group games, and to devastating effect. Playing in such a manner requires perfect team cohesion and positional discipline, as otherwise the pressing can leave gaps that can be exploited on the break. With both sides having devastatingly quick attackers, it'll likely be in the pressing and transition that this game is won and lost.

Netherlands' wingers vs. Chile's wing-backs - If the Netherlands do elect to play a back four, they'll have the advantage of being able to outnumber Chile's wing-backs out wide, allowing their fullbacks, Daryl Janmaat and Daley Blind, to cover defensively while Memphis Depay and Arjen Robben can look for space to attack in behind. If the Dutch win the wide battle, they could cause big problems.

Alexis Sánchez vs. Daley Blind - Sánchez is enjoying a terrific World Cup for Chile, with his outstanding close control and direct running having caused nightmares for both Australia and Spain. Though he's a nominal striker in Chile's 3-4-1-2, he can often can be found drifting into space out on the right flank, looking to isolate the opposition fullback and deliver a cross or take a shot on goal. Dutch left-back Daley Blind will have to watch him carefully to limit the damage.


Prediction

This is the most unpredictable game of an even more unpredictable World Cup. Both of these sides have looked excellent so far, excelling with specialized high-pressing, counter-attacking strategies, so trying to separate them is nigh-on impossible. But purely because Chile have nothing to lose, and will thus likely be more cavalier with their approach, I think the Dutch could counter their way to a tight win. 3-2 Netherlands.

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CLEVERLY PROPOSES WITH 20K RING

Tom Cleverly's summer got off to a bad start after Roy Hodgson omitted him from the England squad for what has proved to be a disastrous World Cup campaign in Brazil. 

But as the squad ready themselves for an early flight home after two embarrassing defeats, midfielder Tom Cleverley is reportedly on a high after proposing to stunning girlfriend Georgina Dorsett. 

According to sources the Manchester United ace wooed Georgina, a former TOWIE star, with a £20,000 engagement ring during a trip to Las Vegas.


Georgina had been waiting for him to ask but he wanted the perfect moment,’ a friend told The Sun. 

‘No expense was spared. Tom has taken her for amazing meals with red rose petals scattered on the table and he’s made sure that she’s had the time of her life.’ 

The 24-year-old was reeling last season after 17,000 England fans signed a petition insisting he be banned from the national squad – a move that was slammed by his then manager, David Moyes. 

‘Tom Cleverley is a fantastic young player who's developing all the time,’ said the Scot in March. 

‘He is a great trainer. He is first out and every day he does his best in training. He always gives his best and that is why he will succeed.’ 

The contentious petition is said to be another reason behind the playmaker’s omission.

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RUSSIA 0-1 BELGIUM

A late goal from substitute Divock Origi ensured Belgium booked their place in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 win over Russia.

Marc Wilmots' side looked set to suffer frustration at the Maracana on Sunday after looking short of ideas against Fabio Capello's well-organised team.

However, teenage striker Origi came off the bench to grab an 88th-minute winner - his first international goal - and secure progression from Group H with a game to spare.

Two substitutes, Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens, had combined to help Belgium come from behind to beat Algeria in their first match, and another change paid dividends for Wilmots on this occasion, leaving Russia stunned.

Prior to Origi's strike, Belgium had hit the post through Kevin Mirallas, while Russia striker Aleksandr Kokorin spurned the best chance of the first half when heading wide from an unmarked position.

Russia, who were held by South Korea in their opening game, will now require assistance from elsewhere if they are to join Belgium in the knockout stages.

Fellaini and Mertens were rewarded for their goalscoring exploits against Algeria with places in the Belgium starting line-up, at the expense of Nacer Chadli and Mousa Dembele, while skipper Vincent Kompany was passed fit and Thomas Vermaelen came in for Jan Vertonghen.

Alexei Kozlov and Maxim Kanunnikov came into the Russia side, with Andrey Yeshchenko and Yuri Zhirkov dropping to the bench.

Belgium made a positive start, but it was Thibaut Courtois who made the first save of the game when he got down well to keep out Viktor Fayzulin's left-footed strike from just outside the penalty area 11 minutes in.

Mertens was proving to be a real handful for the Russia defence and the Napoli winger fired wide with his right foot after an incisive run.

Russia could have had a penalty when Kanunnikov went down under a challenge from Toby Alderweireld in the penalty area, but referee Felix Brych waved play on.

Vermaelen suffered an injury in the warm-up and was subsequently forced to come off shortly after the half-hour mark, so Vertonghen entered the fray.

Mertens remained Belgium's biggest threat and Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev had to be alert to palm the winger's cross away after he cut in from the right at full tilt.

Yet Russia should have been in front two minutes before the break, when an unmarked Kokorin could only head Denis Glushakov's inviting cross wide of the target.

Wilmots replaced the ineffective Romelu Lukaku with Origi 10 minutes into the second half in an attempt to gain some impetus.

Both sides still looked devoid of ideas, though, with Belgium sitting deep and inviting Russia to break them down but Capello's side lacking quality in the final third.

Russia sensed the opportunity to snatch all three points, but they failed to create clear-cut opportunities in the second half and Glushakov was off target when he tried his luck from outside the penalty area.

Substitute Yeshchenko came close 10 minutes from time when he shot wide of the far post, while Mirallas then rattled the post with a free-kick.

Russia were then stunned two minutes from time as Eden Hazard embarked on a fine run to the byline and cut the ball back for Origi, who was on hand to fire home and see Belgium through.

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