World Cup 2010: Netherlands 2-1 Brazil - Full Time Report
The Netherlands came from behind to beat Brazil in an extraordinary second half to set up a semi-final with either Uruguay or Ghana. Not many people would have put money on the Dutch to beat the 5 times World Champions, Brazil, but they played an outstanding game and knocked-out the tournament favourites.
In the first half the game was played at very slow pace, with both sides playing it safe and trying to measure up the other team. The deadlock was broken in the 10th minute when Robinho scored, after a mistake from Andre Ooijer, who had to step in for the inured Mathijsen. A simple through ball by Felipe Melo found its way to the on-rushing Robinho, after the Dutch defender had failed to step-up or mark the Brazilian forward. After the goal the Brazilians rarely threatened the Dutch goal and looked like they were content with the 1 goal lead.
Michel Bastos was booked in the half due to persistently fouling the Dutch winger Arjen Robben. In the second half, the fouling continued and resulted in the Brazil Coach Dunga bringing on Gilberto to replace him because it looked like Michel was going to get himself sent off.
The Dutch started the second half with much more purpose than the first and looked to put pressure on the Brazil defence which had been very solid up to that point. In the 53rd minute, the Dutch were rewarded for their efforts when Felipe Melo scored an own-goal after an excellent cross from Sneijder with his left foot. Robben had raced down the touch-line after a quick free-kick from the Dutch, he passed the ball to Sneijder who had come up for support and his left-footed cross was in such an area that it caused confusion in the Brazilian ranks. Julio Cesar came in to collect the ball but could only watch as Melo headed the ball past him into the back of the net.
The Netherlands became more confident after making it 1-1 and looked like they were going to increase the lead soon. Eventually they did so in the 68th minute, as a corner from Arjen Robben was first flicked-on by Dirk Kuyt and then headed into the back of the net by the unmarked Sneijder. The goal made it 2-1 for the Dutch, who thoroughly deserved their lead over the South Americans.
The Brazilians' frustration had taken a whole new level and it always looked on the verge of boiling over. The South Americans felt particularly threatened by the Dutch winger Arjen Robben who was phenomenal in the game, holding up the ball well and terrorizing the Brazilian defence. The Brazil team complained throughout the game that Robben was going down too easily and every free-kick awarded to him was jeered by the Brazilian supporters and players alike.
The tension finally resulted in the sending off of Felipe Melo in the 73rd minute. After bringing down Robben with yet another foul, the Brazilian midfielder went on to stamp on the winger's thighs as he lay on the ground. To his misfortune, the referee saw the entire incident and correctly sent off Melo for frankly a stupid act. As Melo walked off the pitch so did Brazil's hopes of making their way to the semi-finals.
Sneijder, along with, Robben were wonderful to watch in this game. Both players displayed calmness and composure on the ball that none of the Brazilians showed in the game. Sneijder with his goal and assist was probably the man of the match but Robben was not far behind. Though this match did not see him score or rip apart the defence as he usually does, his influence was undeniable as he completely unsettled the Brazilians, who were made to look like spoilt children by the Dutch. Players like Robinho and Alves argued with the referee over every single decision. Robinho in particular should have been treated more harshly by the referee as he crossed the line on more than one occasion.
This World Cup's biggest upset so far, perhaps, has been a long time coming but after watching the match, no one can contest the fact that the Dutch were worthy winners. As for Brazil, they will have to take a long hard look at themselves in order to figure out where they went wrong, lack of discipline would be a good place to start.
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