by Nicholas Nikolov

Created on: July 02, 2010

Today, history repeated itself, with the Netherlands faced off against Brazil in quarter-finals as it was back in the 1974 World Cup in Germany. Yet, this time around, the result was different, as the Dutch brought and end to five-time champions’ World Cup journey in South Africa with a well-deserved hard-fought comeback 2-1 victory over head coach Dunga’s Brazil at Port Elizabeth.

Again, very much like four years ago when the World Cup was hosted by Germany. The Samba Kings have only themselves to blame for their poor play in not being able to qualify to the next round – thus being eliminated in the quarter-finals then and now. Having their illusive quest to attain their sixth world cup will have to wait for the next major tournament in four years.

For the Dutch, however, it is their fifth consecutive victory at bringing the Oranje one step closer to their first appearance in a World Cup final match since 1974 and 1978 Finals, when they finish second to Germany and Argentina accordingly.    

It was a definite scare early on the match for head coach Bert Van Marwijk seeing his side a goal down in the opening 10 minutes. A defensive blunder by PSV Eindhoven defender Andre Ooijer mistakenly played the onrushing unmarked striker Robinho onside – the Brazilian struck the forward pass from teammate Felipe Melo past goalkeeper Maarten Steklenburg, 28, putting Brazil up 1-0.

The 36-year-old veteran Defender was a game-time replacement for Hamburg SV defender Jonis Mathijsen, who suffered a lower-body injury during warm-up.

Netherlands’ levelled things up from a highly fortuitous goal, which was a result of an uncharacteristic mishap by the defensive-minded Brazilians in the 53rd minute.  Earlier, the Inter star squandered his half-volley chance, but would be at the right place at the right time. The lunging goalkeeper Julio Cesar and high-rising Melo’s miscommunication resulted in the two of them colliding with one another as Sneijder unintentional chip shot into the gaping net

Just with 25 minutes left in the match – including stoppage time – Netherlands double-up the Brazilians from a goal from Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder. From an inswinging corner by midfielder Arjen Robben, who was causing problems all game long, finds the head of striker Dirk Kuyt. The Liverpool man was well-positioned in front of his marker, and flicks it behind him to Sneijder thumps his header back of the net.

Afterward, the game simply turned for the worst for coach Dunga’s men as their frustration got the best of them and were undisciplined play replaced their self-confidence. Melo’s overaggressive tackling on Robben earned him a red card by Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura.

As Brazil pack their bags and fly back home to their native Brazil in disappointment, the Netherlands move forward with overjoyed motivation, will now anxiously await the winner of Uruguay versus Ghana.

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