PORTO ALEGRE Brazil (Reuters) – After exacting revenge against holders Spain in their World Cup opener the Netherlands turned their sights on settling an old score with Australia, finally getting the better of the Socceroos on a sunny Wednesday at Beira Rio stadium.
The Dutch had not beaten Australia in three previous meetings but that oversight was corrected with a thrilling 3-2 World Cup Group B win secured by a long-range strike from substitute Memphis Depay.
“I was not surprised because I believe Australia is a tough team to play against, well organized and this coach (Ange Postecoglou) is very good,” said Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal. “He allows his team to play an attacking game, he exercises pressure and that is difficult for any team.
“I wasn’t surprised (by Australia) but I was surprised by our careless ball possession.”
For all their goalscoring brilliance it was the Dutch ability to change tactics on the fly that earned victory over the energetic and determined Australians.
After starting the match with 5-3-3 formation, Van Gaal made a tactical change at halftime, switching to the Dutch classic 1-4-3-3 lineup and the swap proved a stroke of genius – although the Dutch coach saw it as a gamble.
