Match Review & Highlights: Netherlands 2-1 Brazil

July 2nd, 2010 | by: Daryl |

neth

For some reason this feels like an upset. I thought I considered Netherlands and Brazil to be pretty much equals going into this game, but Netherlands 2-1 win now feels like an underdog biting one of the alpha dogs.

Maybe it’s because of the way this game started. Brazil were knocking the ball about like it was 1982, and were winning 1-0 after just 10 minutes:

The Dutch defence looked hopelessly unorganized, possible a result of regular starting central defender Joris Mathijsen pulling up injured not long before kickoff, to be replaced by Andre Ooijer. But it was Ooijer’s defensive partner Johnny Heitinga who had stepped forward and left a hole the size of Sepp Blatter’s ego, allowing Felipe Melo to play Robinho through on goal, with Arjen Robben apparently the only Dutch player who saw what was happening.

At that point, I would have predicted a 3-0 Brazil win. In fact, I think that’s exactly what would have happened if Maarten Stekelenburg hadn’t made this fine save from Kaka (after great work by Robinho) at around the 30 minute mark:

Instead, Netherlands survived til halftime and then in the second half got – let’s be honest – a bit lucky on this 53rd minute set piece:

Wesley Sneijder crossed it in, Andre Ooijer jumped, but it was Brazil’s Felipe Melo who got the final touch, and so made it 1-1 with an own goal. Which you’d think was about as bad as it could get for Melo, but you’d be wrong.

Netherlands then took the lead in the 68th minute, with what I think’s best described as a textbnook corner kick routine:

Robben crossed towards the near post, Dirk Kuyt flicked it on, and Wesley Sneijder was there to score with his head (and then remind everyone he’d scored with his head with a Benny Hill style celebration).

And then Brazil lost their cool. Too much frustration, too much shouting, and in Felipe Melo’s case too much kicking Arjen Robben in the thigh:

As Melo left the field, sent off for that pretty stupid tackle, he took Brazil’s confidence with him. Down to 10 men and not having as much of the ball as a trailing team needs, Brazil grumbled their way through the last 17 minutes and lost 2-1. So Brazil are out and Netherlands are through to the semi-finals to face either Uruguay or Ghana.

- Join the post-mtch celebrations/commiserations at either the Netherlands blog or the Brazil blog.

International Football News – World Cup Blog RSS Feed

netsez

GREAT! THE EXPERTS ARE PROVEN WRONG! I am so glad someone new, or someone that hasn't won in a long time (say Argentina) will win this time. Plus I'm always glad when the favorites loose, all the bandwagon fickle fans go home. Picking Brazil is like picking Tiger (pre-scandal), Federer, or the NY Yankess.
http://inter.theoffside.com Johonna

Two of my favorite players in the world pitted against each other – this was never going to end well for me.
http://www.facebook.com/halynaiscoolerthanyou Halyna Svitlynets

I really think Brazil was way to aggressive and egotistical in this game. They went into the match thinking they'd win, and started acting like children when they weren't getting their way. I was very proud of Netherlands for (mostly) keeping their cool and playing well even though they knew they weren't the favorites.
Vic90

The way Brazil left is miles better (or less worse) compared to 2006. So much heart, effort. A freak accident was all it took to tip the balance Netherlands way, but unlike '06, they fought to very last moment. Brazil leaves the tournament with dignity.

And bring on 2014!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1547434181 John Perret

Hup Holland Hup!!!!!!! Holland will win this championship!!!!
Camero67

UNFORTUNATELY, BRAZIL'S COACH DUNGA WILL BE FIRED! DUNGA EXPERIMENTED WITH BRAZIL…THE BRAZILIAN PRESIDENT APPEARED ON TELEVISION BEFORE THE WORLD CUP KICK-OFF STATING THAT THIS IS THE WEAKEST BRAZILIAN TEAM. I DISLIKE DUNGA FOR HIS ISSUES WITH RONALDINHO, ADRIANO, PATO ETC. IF THOSE GUYS WHERE ON IT WOULD OF BEEN A DIFFERENT STORY…MANY OF YOU ARE COMMENTING ABOUT THE GAME BUT LACK SOCCER KNOWLEDGE ACCORDING TO BRAZILIAN STANDARDS THIS IS THE WEAKEST TEAM EVER!!!! THERE WAS RIOTS AND PROTESTS BEFORE THE WORLD CUP BEGAN REGARDING THE BRAZILIAN STARTING ROSTER FOR FIFA 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Matthijs-Verwer/1466537628 Matthijs Verwer

You hadn't been complaining if Brazil won this World Champhionship, now had you?
http://www.facebook.com/people/Kenan-Sancak/594459554 Kenan Sancak

You say that the first goal from the Netherlands was lucky. I'd say that it was a big mistake from Melo and Cesar. Sneijder already said before the match “Cesar is the best keeper on the line, but he is a clown when it comes to corners and other cross-shots.” He knew that because he plays in the same team (Inter Milan) with Cesar. Nevertheless, Brazil was way better in the first half and I was shitting my pants that we (I'm Dutch) would lose. And all of the Dutch people criticize the Dutch Team for playing bad, knowing they can play better. But you know, we don't have the hearts of Champions. Which makes it harder for us Dutch people to win =) My bet is on Germany. However I do hope that we will make it into the finals and beat Germany (could be Spain too, but that isn't our rival).