“We have to take time to enjoy this fantastic result but it shouldn’t end here,” said Robben, who nearly scored one of the goals of the tournament after an electrifying run from deep.

“We have to change our mindset and look ahead because we really want to move forward.”

Coach Louis van Gaal was guarded over their chances of reaching a fourth World Cup final, citing uncontrollable factors like the debatable penalties they conceded against Spain and Australia.

“We’ll have to wait and see. I think it depends on so many factors and a team doesn’t always control all these elements,” Van Gaal said.

The best moment from an otherwise sterile first half saw Arjen Robben set off on a mazy run from half way and beat several players before dragging his shot wide of the far post.

Stefan de Vrij should have given the Netherlands the lead when he dived to meet a Robben free-kick but he contrived to miss the target from four yards out.

Robben at least seemed determined to add to his tournament-leading three goals and he came closest for the Dutch after the break with a low shot after another driving run, Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo getting down well to parry though.

Just before that Chile’s Alexis Sanchez had befuddled Daley Blind wide on the left before firing from a tight angle straight at goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.

Depay injected some urgency into the Dutch play with a rasping drive that Chile captain Bravo tipped over the bar.

But he could do nothing about Fer’s header, his first touch after coming on, from the resulting corner routine moments later.

Depay sealed the win in injury time after sliding in at the back post to convert Robben’s cross.