It was all Oranje at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium at Port Elizabeth. The Samba ends here as the five time world cup winners were beaten after Netherlands came from behind to kick them out of the cup. Ultimately it was the total football that overpowered Brazil’s flair.
Brazil were exceptional in the first half as they took advantage of a subdued Netherlands side to threaten their goal. Robinho was denied a goal when he was found in an offside position a minute or two before the eventual goal. Finally, Robinho beat Stekelenburg after a cutting ball from Melo pierced the Netherlands defense.
Wesley Sneijder was the man of the match in the game
This first goal turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Netherlands who dropped their defensive play in the second half and looked much better than Brazil. They broke the Brazillian attack whenever it developed with some physical game-play. They reaped the rewards soon as after a deep run by Robben in to the right flank he dragged the ball back to Sneijder, as he curled it into the box. The Brazilian defense failed to cope with it and after a nudge of the head of Melo ended up in the back of the net.
Brazil lost all their concentration after this as Michel Bastos very nearly escaped a second yellow after a totally mistimed tackle on Arjen Robben. But all waters were broken after Sneijder put in the second goal in the 68th minute of the game. It was a well planned and drilled goal after Dirk Kuyt headed the ball from near post to a waiting Sneijder who put in his second goal to send Brazil packing.
Brazil were found wanting in composure as they lost Melo after he stomped Robben intentionally after an ill-timed tackle. He was sent off in the 73rd minute of the game.
The Oranje brigade will meet Uruguay or Ghana in the World cup semi-finals!
Netherlands 2 – 1 Brazil
Goal Scorers
Wesley Sneijder – 68’
Melo (own goal) – 53’
Brazil- Robinho – 10’
