The Netherlands ended their Group B journey with maximum nine points after winning Chile in their final group game in Sao Paulo.
Goals from Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay ensured coach Louis van Gaal’s team finished with a 100% winning run just as they did in the previous tournament four years ago.
Both opponents had already reached the second round of the World Cup after victories over Spain and Australia in their opening two matches.
But on Monday in the battle for a first-place finish a disciplined and defensive Holland got the better of their opponent in a high-octane encounter at the Arena de Sao Paulo.
Norwich City player Fer headed in with his first touch in the 77th minute, before Depay finished off from Arjen Robben’s great run to double the Oranje’s lead in injury time.
Chile will face winners of Group A- most likely the host nation Brrazil, while the Netherland could be up against Mexico or Croatia.
Netherlands and Chile are joined by Colombia, Costa Rica, Argentina and Belgium in the last-16- ten more places still up for grab.
