The Netherlands have defeated the CommBank Pararoos 3-0 in their final group stage match of the IFCPF Men's World Cup 2024 in Salou Spain.
The result means the CommBank Pararoos have finished third in Group C and will now face either Ireland or Venezuela on Sunday, 17 November at 3.30pm CET (1.30am, Monday, 18 November) in the Third Group C v Fourth Group D placement final.
The weather at the fields of Futbol Salou in Spain more closely resembled that of a brisk Melbourne winter morning - but this didn't deter the two long-standing foes from bringing the heat.
Despite a long history, Australia and the Netherlands haven't met in a competitive CP Football match for over a decade with only veteran David Barber present for the last meeting in 2013.
It didn't take long for the Dutch side - ranked World Number 6 - to open the scoring, picking up a stray Australian pass and countering with precision in the opening minutes.
The Netherlands doubled their advantage only 10 minutes later despite desperate efforts from the Australian defence to keep them at bay.
Midway through the second half Australian dynamo Daniel Campbell succumbed to a heavy fall and was removed for the remainder of the game bringing Jeremy Boyce into the action.
Continuing to fight despite being on the back foot, the Australians almost found the goal late in the first half but entered the sheds trailing the Netherlands 2-0.
From the outset of the final stanza, the effort of the CommBank Pararoos' defense was unmistakable as players threw themselves in front of attackers with little regard for their own safety.
Celebrating his 24th birthday during the match, Taj Lynch was immense for the Australian defence while Giacomo Izzo presented a constant threat for the Netherlands goalkeeper in his first starting appearance for the CommBank Pararoos.
As the full-time siren sounded, the Netherlands claimed a 3-0 victory over Australia to secure top spot in Group C, while Australia can take plenty of confidence out of a resilient defensive display.
The CommBank Pararoos will enjoy a day of rest before returning to the pitch on Sunday (17 November) to begin the placement finals and continue their quest of finishing in the 'single digits' for the first time in their history.
Match Summary
Australia: 0
Netherlands: 3 (12. Sem van Helden 4', 4. Lorenzo Calkhoven 14', 14. Harm Panneman 48')
Australia: 7. David Barber (GK) (C), 3. Kaylan Van Heer (2. Rafferty Bacon 31'), 4. Alessandro La Verghetta, 5. Daniel Campbell (11. Jeremy Boyce 23'), 6. Giacomo Izzo (10. Ben Roche 51'), 13. Taj Lynch (8. Christian Bitsikas 51'), 14. Augustine Murphy (9. Luc Launder 31')
Substitutes not used: 1. Christian Tsangas, 12. Will McGrath
Netherlands: 16. Damian Schellekens GK (1. Kevin Janssen (GK) 31'), 4. Lorenzo Calkhoven, 3. Doorduin Wessel, 11. Malik de le Cruz Victoria (8. Guido Floors 31'), 10. Bruno Hoek (6. Jeroen Schuitert 50'), 12. Sem van Helden (14. Harm Panneman 31'), 7. Jeroen Saedt (13. Danny van Amerongen 31')
Substitutes not used 5. Jochem Kintz, 13. Danny van Amerongen, 2. Sam Voorbach
Yellow Cards: 8. Guido Floors 51'
