2010 World Cup: Netherlands v Brazil half time report
Netherlands 0 Brazil 1
Brazil lead the Netherlands by a goal to nil at the Port Elizabeth Stadium in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Robinho gave the Brazilians the lead with the first real chance of the match, but it was shocking defending. Felipe 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, Wesley Sneijder had his first effort, but his long range free-kick was a tame effort.
The weak point for the Dutch at the start of the tournament was their defence, and this was badly exposed for the goal. Coach Bert van Marwijk will not be pleased about that.
Before the match, the Dutch suffered a blow with their centre-back Joris Mathijsen getting injured in the warm-up as well.
Tags: