Australia and the Netherlands have finished the first half tied at 1-1 in this evening's World Cup encounter in Porto Alegre.

The Aussies started well by frustrating the Dutch, and they nearly took the lead on 17 minutes when Mark Bresciano's effort from the edge of the box was deflected wide.

The Netherlands threatened at the other end moments later, but Robin van Persie's tame header was easily saved by Mathew Ryan.

Louis van Gaal's side finally made the breakthrough with 19 minutes played as Arjen Robben made a bursting run from inside his own half before calmly firing home.

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However, Australia responded just a minute later as Tim Cahill smashed an incredible volley on the angle past Jasper Cillessen following a long ball over the top of the Dutch defence.

The Aussies showed plenty of attacking intent after levelling the match, and they could have gone ahead had Bresciano not blasted the ball over the crossbar after arriving late in the box.

A solid opening 45 minutes for Australia was tainted towards the end of the half when Cahill was booked for a late challenge, meaning that he will be suspended for the team's final group game against Spain.