Football Focus Highlight

The Netherlands won the 2010 World Cup semi-final tickets after removing Brazilian favorite team with the score 2-1, Friday (2/7/2010). In a match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, which was stained red card to the Brazilian player, became a star because of Wesley Sneijder scored the winner through the header at minute 68.

Brazil hopes to have time to uncover opportunities to maintain sixth World Cup title thanks to the scoring in the 10th minute by Robinho. However, at minute 52, "Oranje" reciprocate when Felipe Melo made an own goal. Sneijder then presents a nightmare for "Selecao".

Thus, the Netherlands will face the winners between Uruguay and Ghana in the semis. They fight in the upcoming July 7 will fight a ticket to the final. For the Dutch, their success was their closer for the first degree after only a runner-up in 1974 and 1978.

The duel lasted referee Yuichi Nishimura tighter since the kick-off whistle. Both teams, which both use aggressive formation with attacking midfielder to play three, appearing in a fast tempo.




Brazil is superior in the 10th minute. Robinho was the one who ripped the nets Maarten Stekelenburg. Midfielder who was a star at Real Madrid this breakthrough bait perfectly completing Melo from midfield. Before entering the penalty box, Robinho that preceded the release of Dutch defender kicks the ball flat and can not be driven Stekelenburg. 1-0 for the "Selecao".

Strikes continued to be forces "Samba". Minute 30, they exhibit an entertaining game before endangering the Dutch goalkeeper. Robinho's first show with a stunning individual action through the three Dutch players who block the left wing. Then, he gives feedback to the Luis Fabiano flat, which continues the style backheel to Kaka.

From outside the penalty box, Real Madrid midfielder was released kick curled into the top left corner. Lucky, Stekelenburg anticipates quick enough so the action of flight successfully repulsed out The Jabulani and just gave birth to a corner kick.

"The Flying Dutchmen" does not want to keep suppressed. In the last 10 minutes before the break, they do pressure, including when Wesley Sneijder threaten goalkeeper Julio Cesar in the 36th minute. From outside the penalty box, the Inter Milan player was kicked off very fast. However, precise ball towards Cesar's arms, who caught him with a stick. The first half ended 1-0.

After a pause, the Dutch tried to appear more aggressive with the first attack took the initiative. However, their efforts reached an impasse because every time Robben or Robin van Persie and Sneijder the ball, the Brazil players directly docked without giving too little space for them to show individual action.

However, at minute 52, the Dutch managed to score a goal in return. This time, Melo who give "gifts" through his own goal when the ball kicks intends Sneijder from outside the penalty box. Misunderstandings between Melo and goalkeeper Julio Cesar, who spilled the ball forward to welcoming the stomach. Apparently, Melo even slightly change the direction of the ball, which makes Cesar helpless. The ball was slid into the empty goal.

Reply to this goal whipped up the enthusiasm of the Dutch players. "The Flying Dutchmen" began to take control of the game so they are more often threatened goalkeeper Cesar. Conversely, decreases seen Brazil game. The variation of the attack that looks to have goals before missing a direct reply.

Successfully exploited this opportunity to a maximum by the Dutch. At minute 68, they added another goal by heading Sneijder, who continue to feed Dirk Kuyt's header after receiving feedback from a corner kick. Situation getting worse when Melo gets a red card in the 73rd minute. Juventus midfielder was expelled for committing a violation to Robben.

Playing with 10 men did not make the Brazilian spirit loose. In the 81st minute, they almost equalize the score during a corner kick. Maicon release the kick straight into the mouth of the goal that resulted in chaos. Unfortunately, no Brazilian players who grabbed the skin of the round so that Kuyt could drive out.

In the last five minutes before the game finished, Brazil appears more pressing to pursue his goal deficit one. Dunga team effort was not fruitless because the Netherlands has strengthened the line behind him to secure the victory. The Netherlands also stepped into the semis.

Composition of players

Netherlands: 1-Maarten Stekelenburg; 13-Andre Ooijer, 3-John Heitinga, 5-Giovanni van Bronckhorst, 2-Gregory van der Wiel; 8-Nigel de Jong, 6-Mark van Bommel, 10-Wesley Sneijder, 7-Dirk Kuyt, 11-Arjen Robben; 9-Robin van Persie (21-Klaas-Jan Huntelaar 85 ').

Brazil: 1-Julio Cesar; 4-Juan, 3-Lucio, 6-Michel Bastos (16-Gilberto Melo 61 '), 2-Maicon; 5-Felipe Melo, 8-Gilberto Silva, 10-Kaka, 11-Robinho 13-Dani Alves; 9-Luis Fabiano (21-Nilmar 77 ').