Netherlands took a huge step to qualifying for the World Cup knockout stages as Group B winners by coming from behind to beat Australia 3-2 in an end-to-end thriller.

Arjen Robben gave the Dutch a 20th-minute lead which was cancelled out by Tim Cahill's stunning volley, and although the Aussies went ahead in the second period, goals from Robin van Persie and Memphis Depay earned Holland their second consecutive victory and left the Socceroos pointless.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at who impressed during an incredible 90 minutes in Porto Alegre.

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AUSTRALIA:

Goal

Mat Ryan: Made one excellent save in each half, but his failure to keep out Depay's 30-yard strike proved to be arguably the decisive moment in the match. It bounced awkwardly in front of him, but the young stopper will be disappointed not to have kept it out. (6/10)

Defence

Ryan McGowan: Replaced the injured Ivan Franjic and like many modern full-backs, appeared to be more comfortable on the ball than defending in his own third. Did very well to pick out Cahill for Australia's first goal, but struggled against the pace of substitute Depay in the second half. (6/10)

Matthew Spiranovic: Was left exposed three-on-one for Robben's opening goal, but elsewhere proved to be the only Aussie defender capable of keeping pace with the majestic winger, and made a couple of crucial blocks. (7/10)

Alex Wilkinson: Dived in on Robben on the halfway line and was never going to catch the Dutchman as he ran through to score. Was not at fault for any of the other goals, but was just not quick enough, particularly in latter stages as Holland created more openings. (6/10)

Jason Davidson: Played Robben onside in the build-up to Van Persie's equaliser and, like many have before him, struggled to deal with Robben. Did not have the same influence going forward as he did against Chile. (5/10)

Midfield

Matt McKay: Took the place of Mark Milligan and performed largely the same industrious midfield role, but also showed that he was comfortable in possession and happy to collect the ball in tight areas. (7/10)

Mile Jedinak: The skipper confidently converted from the penalty spot to put Australia into a surprise lead, but his midfield lost the organisation and solidness that they had in the first half as Holland came from behind. (7/10)

Mark Bresciano: Was withdrawn only six minutes into the second period having had little impact on the match and missed an excellent opportunity to put Australia ahead before the break. (5/10)

Tommy Oar: Great energy and pace down the left-hand side and led the high Aussie press well, but again, his decision making in key area was often poor, as evidenced by his heavily-hit cross to Leckie with the scores at 2-2. (7/10)

Mathew Leckie: Was again a willing runner and matched Oar's intensity when putting the Dutch defenders under pressure. Picked out a couple of good cutbacks in the first half, but his influence on the game waned as the match progressed. (7/10)

Attack

Tim Cahill: Produced an outstanding moment of technical skill to level proceedings at a key time, thumping a volley in off the crossbar 60 seconds after Australia went behind. Was booked for a rash challenge on Bruno Martins Indi, which means that he is suspended for their final group game and likely to never play in the World Cup again. Boy did he bow out in style. (8/10)

Substitutes:

Oliver Bozanic: Earned Australia their controversial penalty and increased their energy levels in the final third in place of the ageing legs of Bresciano. Always willing to show for the ball. (7/10)

Ben Halloran: Could not have the same impact that he had off the bench against Chile as the Aussies struggled to get the ball to him out wide in the latter stages. (6/10)

Adam Taggert: Was brought on with Australia chasing the game, but barely had a touch as Netherlands saw out the final minutes with ease. (6/10)

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Netherlands

Goal

Jasper Cillessen: Did the ugly stuff well in the early stages, clearing a suspect De Guzman back pass, and was commanding off his line. Helpless with both of the Australia goals. (7/10)

Defence

Stefan de Vrij: Distribution and positioning was poor, and he more than anyone seemed to struggle with Australia pressing high. Allowed Cahill to run off him for the goal and was fortunate that a couple of poor passes were not punished. (5/10)

Bruno Martins Indi: Tournament appears to be over after leaving on a stretcher before the interval. (5/10)

Ron Vlaar: Won a few important headers and was strong in the tackle, as he was in his impressive performance against Spain. Would be susceptible against better quality in the latter stages. (6/10)

Midfield

Daryl Janmaat: Was unfortunate to be penalised for handball, but did not enjoy a good afternoon in which Oar's pace and persistence down the left made him work very hard. Did not get forward as much as he would have liked. (5/10)

Nigel de Jong: Would have enjoyed the physical battle of the first half against a three-man Australian midfield, and put in some big tackles, but his passing was not good enough when put under pressure. (6/10)

Jonathan de Guzman: Is more comfortable in an advanced role, where he can make runs beyond the striker. The Swansea City man did not offer his back four much protection and did not enjoy his best day on the ball either. (5/10)

Daley Blind: It is quite clear why Manchester United are being linked with him. Was strong defensively when used at full-back, and his final ball from the left was almost always good. Helped the Dutch keep the ball better when he moved inside for the second period. (8/10)

Attack

Wesley Sneijder: One of his quieter games, with Robben again taking the headlines out of the front three. Had a couple of decent shots, one of which was blocked and another of which Ryan saved well. (6/10)

Arjen Robben: Has been the outstanding player of the tournament so far. Almost impossible to stop when in full flow, as he is at the moment, and is always willing to take on the responsibility of creating, with dribbles either inside or to the byline. Cannot win the World Cup on his own, though. (8/10)

Robin van Persie: Was limited to one sweet strike with his left foot, which flew into the roof of the net. Three goals in three, but suspended for the next match and was lucky not to be sent off after going in late on Jedinak, having already been booked. (7/10)

Substitutes

Memphis Depay: Had quite an impact off the bench as Martins Indi's replacement, offering the Dutch another quick winger on the opposite flank. Like Robben, he was happy to go either way and provided a couple of decent chances when he got to the byline. Scored the winner, with the aid of Aussie keeper Ryan, but the goal was a just reward for his overall display. (8/10)

Georginio Wijnaldum: His fresh legs in the final stages helped Holland keep the ball and prevent Australia from building any momentum. (6/10)

Jeremain Lens: Was given the final few minutes in place of Van Persie and had a shot well saved by Ryan at the near post. (6/10)

Written by
Joe Fish