Double Dutch at summit

Holland continued their 100% record in the tournament after a 2-0 win over Chile saw them secure top spot in Group B.

Louis van Gaal's men began their campaign with a shock 5-1 thumping of holders Spain and have not looked back since. A hard-fought 3-2 win over Australia followed before a top-of-the-table clash against the South Americans decided who would finish top of the pile.

Holland's clash with Chile had goals written all over it, especially after the sides had scored 13 goals between them already in this summer's tournament.

But the match failed to live up to expectations with very little action in the first half and neither goalkeeper having much to do. Arjen Robben, who has been one of the stand-out performers at the World Cup, came close to opening the scoring after a fantastic run from inside his own half ended with him dragging a shot just wide of a post.

Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo had to be alert to deny Robben and Memphis Depay after the interval, but he could do nothing to prevent the Dutch from breaking the deadlock 13 minutes from time. Substitute Leroy Fer had only been on the field for two minutes when he powered a header beyond Bravo.

The ever-lively Robben then made sure of maximum points and top spot for Van Gaal's men as his cross was stabbed home by Depay in the dying seconds of the match.

Securing top spot ensured the Dutch would avoid Brazil and instead face Mexico in the round of 16, leaving Group B rivals Chile with the tough task of having to find a way past the hosts.

With nothing to play for other than restoring pride in the group's other fixture, it was hard to know what to expect as holders Spain took on Australia in what would be the final game of the tournament for both sides.

It is still a shock each time I hear the words that Spain are going home. Much was expected from the holders but after two defeats from two games the holders faced Australia in a virtually meaningless game. It didn't change the fact that Spain were heading home, although the soon-to-be replaced champions did restore some pride with a convincing 3-0 win.

David Villa, who was making his final appearance for Spain, opened the scoring with his ninth World Cup career goal after latching onto Juanfran's pass with the cleverest of flicks after 36 minutes. The Spanish legend was replaced shortly before the hour mark and the slow pace in which he left the field emphasised the disappointment of his side's performance at this World Cup.

Andres Iniesta, who had orchestrated the move that led to the opening goal, produced a perfectly weighted pass for Fernando Torres to score from close range after 69 minutes. Substitute Juan Mata completed the scoring when he shot through the legs of Australia goalkeeper Mat Ryan.

The result ensured Australia ended the group stages without a point. Although few would have predicted any more than that from the minnows, especially when drawn in such a tough group, their performances merited a better points tally. Spain will join them out of the World Cup exit door and we are guaranteed a new name on the coveted trophy.

Holders Brazil remain one of the favourites to become that name and a thumping 4-1 win over Cameroon saw them finish top of the pile in Group A.

Neymar again proved to be the difference as he took his tournament tally to four goals. The Barcelona forward scored the 100th goal of this summer's tournament as he connected with the ball first time to superbly side-foot the ball home after 17 minutes.

The hosts were briefly stunned into silence when Joel Matip tapped in a simple goal nine minutes later but it didn't take Brazil too long to regain the lead, and again it was that man Neymar. The 22-year-old beat his man before wrong-footing Itandje with a fine effort for his 35th international goal! Yes, 35th goal at the age of just 22! His international record really is that impressive!

Brazil were looking more like themselves in attack and they extended their advantage within four minutes of the restart. Itandje had already been forced into two saves early in the second half before Fred scored from close range, although replays suggest the Brazilian may have been offside.

Substitute Fernandinho finished off a fine passing move to complete the rout six minutes from time and set up a round of 16 meeting with Chile. The South American duo met at the same stage in both France 1998 and South Africa 2010, with Brazil coming out on top on both occasions. The match is likely to be a lot closer this time around but Brazil should win, although Chile have nothing to lose and can go out there and enjoy the game.

Brazil came close to losing top spot a few times during the evening as Group A rivals Mexico finished behind the hosts only on goal difference following their 3-1 win over Croatia.

The match-up between Mexico and Croatia was expected to be a tight affair with both sides in with a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages, but it was far from it! It took until the 72nd minute for the game's first goal but Mexico were more than deserving of their victory.

Captain Rafael Marquez set Mexico on their way when he headed in the opener before Andres Guardado scored from close range to double the advantage just three minutes later. Javier Hernandez's header put his side out of sight before Ivan Perisic netted a late consolation to become the first player to score past Mexico at this World Cup. Croatia's night went from bad to worse when substitute Ante Rebic was sent off for a clumsy challenge in the closing stage.

Mexico will be up against it when they face Holland, who have been one of the teams of the tournament so far, in the round of 16. But in a tournament where expecting the unexpected is almost becoming the norm, it would be very dangerous to write them off!

Costa Rica were written off before the tournament began and have gone on to beat Uruguay and Italy, so already out of the group England will have to be at the top of their game if they are to avoid being on the wrong end of another upset. There may not be a whole lot to play for but the team will need to produce a performance of the highest quality to at least ensure they exit the tournament with points on the board and some pride intact.

England entered the tournament with a hard task of getting out of the group stages and they go into their final game as almost underdogs instead of favourites against a very impressive Costa Rica side, so who knows what might happen next!

Let the drama continue!

Come on the underdogs!