Netherlands have maintained their perfect start at the World Cup after edging out Australia 3-2 in a pulsating encounter.
Louis van Gaal's side were in high spirits after beginning their tournament by demolishing Spain 5-1 but Australia, defeated 3-1 in their opener against Chile, took the game to their opponents from the off.
The Socceroos' high-tempo approach looked to be paying dividends until, with 20 minutes on the clock, the in-form Arjen Robben broke free around the halfway line and raced clear before slotting home the opener.
The advantage lasted barely a minute, though, as Tim Cahill cannoned a stunning volley in off the underside of the crossbar to bring the Socceroos level.
Early in the second half, Australia's position improved when Oliver Bozanic, freshly introduced from the bench, clipped in a cross that struck Daryl Janmaat's hand. The referee deemed the Dutchman guilty of handball and pointed to the spot, and Mile Jedinak confidently converted.
Once more, though, the advantage did not last: Robin van Persie -- who, like Cahill, will miss his side's final group game after collecting a booking -- smashed in an equaliser before the Australians had had a chance to settle.
Australia might have restored their advantage when Tommy Oar had a clear sight of goal, but he opted to cross for Mathew Leckie, whose improvised effort with his chest was easily collected by goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.
The Dutch duly advanced upfield and Memphis Depay, a replacement for the injured Bruno Martins Indi, unleashed a long-range shot that caught Socceroos goalkeeper Maty Ryan off guard and found its way into the net.
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