Arjen Robben has hailed his Netherlands teammates as the Dutch took a "big step" into the last-16 stage of the World Cup.

Louis van Gaal's side beat Australia 3-2 at the Estadio Beira-Rio this evening to make it back-to-back victories in Group B.

The Oranje also enhanced their goal difference having thumped Spain 5-1 on Friday, and Robben - who has scored three of his team's eight goals - says that his side are well-placed to move into the second round.

"They played really aggressively. They played like it was their last chance. We were a little bit under pressure, but we gave the ball away too easily," he told reporters at full time.

"But we made big step today. We have maximum points. Goal difference can make a difference, so the first game was like an extra point for us."

Van Gaal's side conclude the group stage of the competition by facing Chile on Monday.

Written by
Shane Callaghan