Preview: Australia vs. Netherlands

Australia will go into their Group B fixture with the Netherlands aware that a second defeat is likely to see their hopes of reaching the second round brought to an end.

The Socceroos gave a good account of themselves against Chile on Friday evening, but they were unable to recover from a slow start and eventually succumbed to a 3-1 defeat to their South American opponents.

Coach Ange Postecoglou will be without defender Ivan Franjic after the Brisbane Roar player was forced off against Chile with a hamstring injury.

The Netherlands made a huge statement last Friday by coming from behind to thrash Spain 5-1, and coach Louis van Gaal will be keen to see his team secure their passage to the knockout stages before their final group fixture.

The new Manchester United boss is unlikely to make any alterations to his starting lineup for the game in Porto Alegre as attacking duo Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben look to add to the doubles that they netted against Spain.

A win over Australia and a victory for Spain over Chile would effectively see the Netherlands win the group due to their superior goal difference.

Recent form

Australia: WLDLL

Netherlands: LDWWW

Possible starting lineups

Australia: Ryan; McGowan, Davidson, Wilkinson, Spiranovic; Milligan, Leckie, Jedinak, Bresciano, Halloran; Cahill

Netherlands: Cillessen; Janmaat, Blind, Vlaar, De Vrij; Martins, De Guzman, De Jong, Sneijder, Robben; Van Persie

Sports Mole says: 1-4