Australia coach Ange Postecoglou has described his team's slender 3-2 defeat to the Netherlands this evening as "heartbreaking".

The Aussies fought from a goal down to lead the high-flying Dutch 2-1 after 55 minutes, courtesy of a Tim Cahill wondergoal and a Mile Jedinak penalty.

However, Robin van Persie levelled matters before Memphis Depay struck the winner on 68 minutes, and Postecoglou admits that the loss is a bitter pill to swallow.

"It's heartbreaking," he told reporters at full time. "The players deserved a reward today. Everyone was outstanding. For the majority of the game, we looked more likely to win than game than not."

Australia and Spain face off in their final Group B game with nothing but pride to play for having both been eliminated from the tournament on Wednesday.

Written by
Shane Callaghan