CHILE 2, SPAIN 0
Chile started the World Cup as rank outsiders. But by eliminating defending World Cup champion Spain with a victory in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday and reaching the final 16 with a game to spare, it suddenly has more believers. By making the knockout stage it has matched what the team did four years ago under coach Marcelo Bielsa. And most think this version is better than the last one. A disciple of Bielsa, Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli could top his mentor. He calls it a victory “I’ll never forget … to neutralize a team like Spain.”
NETHERLANDS 3, AUSTRALIA 2
A second-half goal by substitute Memphis Depay gave the Netherlands a comeback victory over Australia in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in a Group B match Wednesday. The result puts Australia out of contention with two defeats. The Dutch opened the scoring in the 20th minute through a Arjen Robben solo effort but Australia responded seconds later, with Tim Cahill’s stunning volley making it 1-1 before the halftime break. Australia took a surprise lead with a penalty after Daryl Janmaat handled the ball, but Robin Van Persie made it 2-2 after collecting the ball in space on the edge of the penalty area and shooting low.
CROATIA 4, CAMEROON 0
Mario Mandzukic scored two goals Wednesday to keep Croatia in the mix at the World Cup with a Group A victory over Cameroon. Mandzukic, who returned to the team in Manaus, Brazil, after being suspended for the opening loss to Brazil, headed in a corner kick from Danijel Pranjic in the 61st minute and then knocked in a rebound in the 73rd minute. Ivan Perisic also scored one goal and made another for Ivica Olic. Cameroon was reduced to 10 men after midfielder Alex Song was given a red card for elbowing Mandzukic in the back in an off-the-ball incident in the 40th minute. The team started without the injured Samuel Eto’o, the team’s best player.
Wednesday’s results
Netherlands 3, Australia 2 Chile 2, Spain 0 Croatia 4, Cameroon 0
TODAY’S GAMES
All times Central
Colombia vs. Ivory Coast, 10:30 a.m., ESPN Uruguay vs. England, 1:30 p.m., ESPN Japan vs. Greece, 4:30 p.m., ESPN
World Cup coverage, Page 6C