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Netherlands vs Chile: Arjen Robben sends out warning to World Cup rivals as he warns Dutch are going to improve

Robben is delighted with their start in Brazil but realises that Louis van Gaal's side will need to up their game if they are to go all the way

Agency
Tuesday 24 June 2014 09:07 BST
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Netherlands celebrate their second goal against Chile
Netherlands celebrate their second goal against Chile

Arjen Robben insists there is more to come as Holland progressed to the knockout stages of the World Cup with a 100 per cent record.

The Bayern Munich winger was man of the match as substitutes Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay scored late goals to beat Chile 2-0 and ensure they and not the South Americans topped Group B.

It sets up a last-16 clash with Mexico, who finished second in Pool A.

"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. We want to go on," he said.

"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 - and although Chile finished second I think they go far in this tournament."

Manager Louis van Gaal adjusted his tactics and team-shape to cope with Chile's threat and it worked perfectly.

"We limited Chile to a handful of opportunities, we neutralised them extremely effectively," he said.

"We did have to change our style - 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."

Despite that, Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli was satisfied with his side's progress so far.

"We kept going and fighting for 90 minutes, but ultimately we didn't get the result," he said.

"I felt that our intensity and commitment was outstanding. Our players should have their heads held high as we've played well in the three games so far and we're now through to the round of 16."

In Group B's dead rubber match defending champions Spain salvaged some pride with a 3-0 victory over Australia.

Striker David Villa bowed out of international football with a 59th goal in 97 matches before second-half goals from Fernando Torres and Juan Mata made it comfortable.

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque will make a decision on his future in the next week but revealed when he substituted Villa - who is leaving Europe to play Major League Soccer with New York City - via a loan spell at sister club Melbourne City - he was unaware it was his last match.

"He (Villa) certainly seemed very annoyed. He said it was his last game, but I didn't know that. I'm sure he was upset," the Spain boss told his post-match press conference.

"All I was thinking about is that it was time to kill off the game and we did that."

On his own future he added: "I'll decide in the next few days or next week. There's no rush. Then we'll talk about it.

"The president, the general secretary and I will talk and look for the best solutions for our football, sensibly and sensitively.

"We will do what is best for our football."

PA

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