2010 World Cup: Netherlands v Brazil full time report
Netherlands 2 Brazil 1
The Netherlands defeated the five-time champions Brazil by two goals to one at the Port Elizabeth Stadium in Nelson Mandela Bay.
An own goal from Felipe Melo and a Wesley Sneijder header sealed their place in the semi-finals, and they will either play Uruguay or Ghana.
Robinho gave the Brazilians the lead with the first real chance of the match, but it was shocking defending. Melo’s pass from inside his own half split the two centre-halves, and it left Robinho with the easiest of finishes to slide the ball past Dutch keeper Maarten Stekelenburg.
The Netherlands threatened after conceding such a poor goal. Dirk Kuyt had a near-post effort saved by Júlio César, while Robin van Persie blasted a free-kick well over the bar.
Juan had the chance to double Brazil’s lead, but from a close range he showed why he is a defender and not a striker and fired over.
Robinho was the architect for a brilliant Brazil move on the half hour mark, as his mazy dribble on the touchline gave Kaká a chance at goal, and his effort was superbly tipped round the post by Stekelenburg.
10 minutes from the break, Sneijder had his first effort, but his long range free-kick was a tame effort.
The Netherlands found an equaliser on 53 minutes. A hopeful cross by Sneijder was missed by Júlio César, and the ball went in off the back of Melo’s head, who looked to have impeded his own keeper, but somewhere there was a breakdown in communication, giving the Dutch a lifeline.
All the momentum was with the Netherlands, with Arjen Robben looking dangerous on the right flank.
On 65 minutes, the ball sat up nicely for Kaká on the edge of the box, and his placed shot just went wide of the target.
Sneijder put the Dutch in front a couple of minutes later. Robben’s corner was flicked on by Kuyt, and an unmarked Sneijder headed in his third goal of the tournament.
The Brazilians were riled, and Melo’s red card after he stupidly stamped on Robben on 73 minutes showed this.
Seven minutes from time, Sneijder had a great chance to seal the match after good work from Van Persie.
The Dutch played better in the second half of the match, and deserved to win as they looked the more likely to grab the goals.
Brazil ran out of ideas and since Melo’s dismissal, they never looked like scoring.
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