Man-of-the-match Arjen Robben warned there was more to come from a flying Dutch team after they made it three wins out of three at the World Cup in Brazil.
Late goals from Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay, who toe-poked home the outstanding Robben’s cross, downed Chile 2-0 in Sao Paulo as the Netherlands finished top of Group B.
The Dutch also thrashed 2010 champions Spain 5-1 and overcame Australia 3-2 in their previous fixtures to raise hopes they could finally go all the way and win their first World Cup.
Little had been expected of De Oranje coming into the tournament, with the squad featuring several inexperienced domestic-based players.
“If you told me that we’d win our three games to finish top of the group two months ago I’d have been delighted, but I don’t want to end it here,” Robben said.
“We want to go on. Although we want to enjoy the moment, we’ll soon need to start to work hard in training to improve even more. You have to give compliment to both teams, both gave 100 per cent. We defended really well – and although Chile finished second I think they go far in this tournament.”
Coach Louis van Gaal was guarded over their chances of reaching a fourth World Cup final, citing uncontrollable factors like the debatable penalties they conceded against Spain and Australia.
“We’ll have to wait and see. I think it depends on so many factors and a team doesn’t always control all these elements,” he said.
Van Gaal felt his side operated well in a changed system in the victory against their South American opponents, with the Dutch emerging victorious from a slow-burning and often fractious contest.
It was a different performance to that Van Gaal’s side had produced when they thrashed Spain and saw off Australia 3-2.
And the Oranje boss said of the Chile encounter: “It was a match of the highest quality.
“We limited Chile to a handful of opportunities, we neutralised them extremely effectively – and particularly in the second half we created more chances.
“We did have to change our style today – and I will always pick a system and a strategy that will help us win. However, we’re not perfect – in possession we still need to improve, but I do think we’re very good without the ball.”
