FIFA World Cup 2010 Brazil vs Netherlands - first half report
It is the 5 time world champions that went into the locker room with a lead, as the first half of the quarter final between Brazil and Netherlands ended 1-0 in favour of Brazil. A slick finish by Robinho gave Brazil the advantage early in the game, and it pretty much has been Brazil in the ascendency in the first 45 minutes.
The match kicked off in a packed Port Elizabeth Stadium with the Vuvuzelas in full voice.
The Dutch had all the early play and Dirk Kuyt sent a cross into the box, but Robin van Persie went down and there was nothing doing there.
It was lively. Arjen Robben tried to play a give and go on halfway but was fouled by Dani Alves. A couple of players got involved and Robinho was furious for some reason. Moments later, Felipe Melo kicked Mark van Bommel up into the air.
First signs of the Brazilians knocking it around were there as Robinho, Dani Alves and Kaka worked some decent triangles, but there was no chance at the end of it for Dunga's team.
Moments later Robinho thought he had opened the scoring but the linesman raised his flag.
Dani Alves slipped through into space on the left and he crossed for Robinho to tap in - but Alves was given offside, and he was, by inches.
However, it took him only minutes to eventually get the lead, Felipe Melo was on the halfway line and he played a simple, direct pass forward where, incredibly, Robinho was onside and 20 yards out - he took his time before slotting past Maarten Stekelenburg and made it 1-0.
The Netherlands tried to hit back immediately as Mark van Bommel released Dirk Kuyt down their left and his shot was saved at the near post by Julio Cesar.
The Dutch were struggling. John Heitinga fouled Luis Fabiano off the ball and he was shown a yellow card. He is not on a booking already in the tournament, though.
Michel Bastos then fouled Arjen Robben about 30 yards out and it was perfect for Robin van Persie, a few yards right of centre. He promptly smacked it about 20 yards over the bar.
The Netherlands looked rattled to say the least, they pumped a ball into the Brazil box, but that was meat and drink to a goalkeeper like Julio Cesar and he caught that easily.
Brazil were getting better and better, while Netherlands were not able to find that killer pass in the final third, all they managed was long distance shots and half cooked moves.
Probably half time break was what they needed to come out with a whole new game plan, while Brazil would know they have to do more of the same and the semi final spot will be theirs.
time world champions that went into the locker rooms with a lead, as the first half of the quarter final between Brazil and Netherlands 1-0 in favour of Brazil. A slick finish by Robinho gave Brazil the advantage early in the game, and it pretty much has been Brazil in the ascendency in the first 45 minutes.
The match kicked off in a packed Port Elizabeth Stadium with the Vuvuzelas in full voice.
The Dutch had all the early play and Dirk Kuyt sent a cross into the box, but Robin van Persie went down and there was nothing doing there.
It was lively. Arjen Robben tried to play a give and go on halfway and was fouled by Dani Alves. A couple of players got involved and Robinho was furious for some reason. Moments later, Felipe Melo kicked Mark van Bommel up into the air.
First signs of the Brazilians knocking it around were there as Robinho, Dani Alves and Kaka worked some decent triangles, but there was no chance at the end of it for Dunga's team.
Moments later Robinho thought he had opened the scoring but the linesman raised his flag.
Dani Alves wass slipped through into space on the left and he crossed for Robinho to tap in - but Alves is given offside, and he was, by inches.
But it took him only minutes to eventually get the lead, Felipe Melo was on the halfway line and he played a simple, direct pass forward where, incredibly, Robinho was onside and 20 yards out - he took his time before slotting past Maarten Stekelenburg and made it 1-0.
The Netherlands tried to hit back immediately as Mark van Bommel released Dirk Kuyt down their left and his shot was saved at the near post by Julio Cesar.
The Dutch were struggling. John Heitinga fouled Luis Fabiano off the ball and he was shown a yellow card. He's not one of the ones on a booking already in the tournament, though.
Michel Bastos then fouled Arjen Robben about 30 yards out and it was perfect for Robin van Persie this, a few yards right of centre. He promptly smacked it about 20 yards over the bar.
The Netherlands looked rattled to say the least, they pumped a ball into the Brazil box, but that was meat and drink to a goalkeeper like Julio Cesar and he caught that easily.
Brazil were getting better and better, while Netherlands were not able to find that killer pass in the final third, all they managed was long distance shots and half cooked moved.
Probably half time break was what they needed to come out with a whole new game plan, while Brazil would know they have to do more of the same and the Semi final spot will be their’s.
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