Monday 23 June 2014 20:16, UK
Jorge Sampaoli admitted his pride at Chile’s progression to the last-16 of the World Cup, despite falling to a 2-0 defeat to Holland in their final Group B game.
Goals from second-half substitutes Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay put Chile to the sword, but their place in the knock-out stages was already secure regardless of the result in Sao Paulo after wins over Australia and Spain.
Sampaoli’s men threatened through Felipe Gutierrez and Alexis Sanchez, although clear-cut chances were scarce for both sides prior to Fer’s towering header for the opener.
Chile dominated possession and pushed men forward for a late equaliser, but Arjen Robben broke at speed and played in Depay for his second goal of the tournament to wrap up the three points.
Sampaoli said: "I think that this was a match that we expected, with the Netherlands trying to use lots of people on the counter attack.
"We looked for victory, we wanted to win and we couldn't find a solution to a team that only defended and only aspired to long-range shots, not even counterattacks.
"This is a Chile that I am proud to be at the helm of, in spite of the fact that we didn't get a result.
"The courage of the group, they have their heads held high and they are getting ready for the round of 16."
