Netherlands sticks with proven system vs Australia

PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil (AP) — Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has stuck with the system he deployed in the 5-1 opening win over World Cup champion Spain, naming an unchanged starting lineup to face Australia in a World Cup Group B match on Wednesday.

The Dutch will start with five defenders, three midfielders and Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben up front.

It worked with great effect last week, suffocating the Spanish attack and then swiftly countering. Van Persie and Robben each scored twice against Spain.

Defenders Ron Vlaar and Daley Blind both overcame minor injury scares to start.

Australia made two changes to the lineup that lost 3-1 to Chile, both forced by injuries.

Ryan McGowan comes in for fullback Ivan Franjic, and Matt McKay moves in to the midfield to replace Mark Milligan, who was ruled out of the match on Tuesday.

Lineups:

Australia: Mat Ryan, Ryan McGowan, Jason Davidson, Matthew Spiranovic, Alex Wilkinson, Matt McKay, Mile Jedinak (captain), Mark Bresciano, Matthew Leckie, Tommy Oar, Tim Cahill.

Netherlands: Jasper Cillessen, Daryl Janmaat, Daley Blind, Bruno Martins Indi, Ron Vlaar, Stefan de Vrij, Nigel de Jong, Jonathan de Guzman, Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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