Monday 14 May 2018, 11:18

Netherlands, Socceroos serve up five-goal classic

As kick-off at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ edges closer every day, we at FIFA.com thought we would whet your appetite for the action.

With some outstanding games in store across June and July, we are going to focus in on highlights from some of the most memorable encounters from four years ago.

We were treated to excitement, drama, and an avalanche of goals at Brazil 2014, so what better way to get your imagination flowing for what may be around the corner this time!

Australia 2-3 Netherlands

18 June, Estadio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre

While the Netherlands were flying high after seeing off Spain in their opening encounter, Australia were staring elimination in the face after a promising, but ultimately fruitless, 3-1 defeat to an impressive Chile side. The Socceroos needed to give it their all if they were to have a realistic chance of the next round. That necessity created a cocktail for a special match.

Arjen Robben, continuing his impressive start to the tournament, handed the Oranje the perfect start, but what followed was a back-and-forth five-goal thriller. While Australia left without the point they needed to keep their hopes alive, fans saw arguably their most memorable goal ever on the World Cup stage. Tim Cahill's thunderbolt would later be nominated for the FIFA Puskas award.

The Netherlands would continue their march to bronze with a win over Chile in the final match of Group B, with Australia succumbing to Spain to leave without a point. However, Ange Postecoglou's side certainly should not remember the tournament solely with disappointment, having served up an absolute classic in Porto Alegre.