Netherlands were made to dig deep in Porto Alegre before claiming a comeback 3-2 win over a valiant Australia to all but qualify for the last 16 of the ongoing World Cup.

Arjen Robben put the Dutch ahead with a strike into the bottom corner after 20 minutes for his third goal of the mundial but Australia were level a minute later with a stunning volley from veteran Tim Cahill.

Ryan McGowan received a loose ball in midfield seconds after Australia restarted the match and played a long pass over the Dutch defence to Cahill who smashed home a first-time volley for Australia’s equaliser.

Cahill’s goal was the confidence boost for the Australians who went on to edge the rest of the first half but fail to convert the chances they created to leave half-time scores at 1-1.

Australia however found a way through 10 minutes into the second half, with captain Mile Jedinak scoring from the penalty spot to give the Socceroos a shock lead against the Dutch who had beaten world champions Spain 5-1 in their first match.

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie got the Netherlands back on level terms four minutes later with a fierce shot past Mathew Ryan before substitute Memphis Depay hit home the winning goal from long range 10 minutes after setting up van Persie for the equaliser.

20-year old Depay as a result became the youngest World Cup goalscorer for the Dutch as Netherlands held on for a 3-2 win to all but seal qualification from the group.

With six points after two matches, Netherlands lead Group B ahead of Chile with three points from one match while Australia and Spain remain without a point in the bottom half of the group.

Qualification would be confirmed for the Netherlands if Spain fail to win later tonight against Chile in the other Group B encounter at Rio de Janeiro. A Spanish win meanwhile would keep Australia in with a slender chance of qualifying for the last 16.

Van Persie will be unavailable for Netherlands in the final group match against Chile through suspension after receiving a second booking of the World Cup during the match against Australia. Tim Cahill is also suspended for Australia against Spain for same reason.