Despite pre-World Cup fears that Holland wouldn't perform in Brazil, Louis van Gaal's side finished the group stages with three wins, meaning they topped the group. Their third game on Monday evening was against Chile (the side who finished second), and the European side triumphed 2-0.
With Spain playing Australia in the other game in the group, Holland knew their game was the only one their fate rode on. A potential game against Brazil awaited the runners-up in group B - either Holland or Chile.
The game started close, with set pieces dominating much of the action. Holland and Chile have been two of the best footballing sides in the tournament so far, with both also posting victories over 2010's tournament winners Spain (Holland 5-1, Chile 2-0). However, neither side could really control the game; despite this, it wasn't really end-to-end either: more of a slow burner. At half-time the game remained 0-0, a result that would see Holland progress as group winners.
The second half was more open, but with neither side displaying their full array of footballing talents. Holland looked less of a team without the suspended Robin van Persie, but held their own against a good Chile attack that contains Barcelona forward Aléxis Sanchez. Eventually, Holland took the lead thanks to Leroy Fer, on as a substitute just minute before. A good cross came in, and the unmarked Norwich City man put a clean header past Claudio Bravo to give the Dutch the lead. In injury time they doubled their lead, when Holland broke, and Arjen Robben crossed low for Memphis Depay to put in from close range.
Holland will now progress to the group stages in high spirits: few gave them a chance before the World Cup started, then they made a statement with a 5-1 hammering of Spain. Now they progress to the round of 16, and will give their all as they try to rectify the World Cup final losses of 2010, 1974, and 1978. The Chile game won't go down in history as one of their best performances ever, but they got the job done. If Chile end up facing their likely opponents in the next round Brazil, they may be tentative, but will realise they can cause a shock against the hosts.