2014 World Cup Contenders Netherlands Top Chile As Defending Champions Spain Bow Out With Victory Over Australia

Group B has been one of the most exciting sets of teams at the 2014 World Cup, but all good things must come to an end. Today, Netherlands finished their group campaign against Chile, with both trying to gain the top spot. Defending champions, Spain, who are already out, played their final match of the tournament against Australia. With the group being full of goals and entertainment, it comes as no surprise that their final fixtures panned out in a similar fashion.

World champions must come through difficult tests, and Netherlands proved they are more than capable of doing so. They were far a long time outplayed by Chile, yet they finished in style, to win the game and top the group. Goals from Fer and Depay in the last fifteen minutes ensured that Netherlands would win 2-0. Now they are likely to face either Croatia or Mexico, in what will be another tough, yet winnable game. Chile look set to face Brazil, who they usually struggle to beat. Given the World Cup is in Brazil, Chile will not be looking forward to this game.

After two horrific defeats the Spanish knew they were going home, but wanted to finish in style. They did so, with a goal before half-time, and two goals in the last 21 minutes of the match, ensuring they ran out 3-0 winners over Australia, ending a negative experience with a positive one. Spain will now look to build on this, with Euro 2016 in mind, where they'll again, try to defend yet another international crown.

How far can Netherlands and Chile go in the World Cup?