Homeward Samba

The World Cup Quarterfinal match between the Netherlands and tournament favorites Brazil ended with an unexpected 2:1 victory to the Dutch, as they battled back from an early 1:0 deficit.  The Dutch, having conceded an early goal to Manchester City’s Robinho in the 10th minute, rallied to progress as the wind ran quickly out of Brazil’s sails.

Sneijder's clincher sent the Brazilians homeward bound

With nothing of value to show for their lackluster efforts in the first half, the Netherlands caught an unbelievable break early on in the second half when defenseman Felipe Melo redirected a Dutch corner past Julio Cesar’s outstretched arm and into the back of his own net.  From this point on the verde-amarela showed no resiliency whatsoever, letting their emotions overcome them and the game to get out of hand.

The Brazilian attack began to seem rushed and as they pushed forward to regain the lead, the Dutch forwards, Robbin van Persie and Arjen Robben grew increasingly comfortable with more space to roam.  And yet they couldn’t produce during the flow of the game.  The Dutch go-ahead goal came off a brilliantly flicked corner kick by star midfielder Dirk Kuyt that was drilled into the back netting by Wesley Sneijder.

From this point on the five-time champions began to collapse even further.  Felipe Melo, now most likely under witness protection back in Brazil, was delivered a red card for needlessly stomping Robben’s knee after a whistled tackle at midfield.  Playing 11 v. 10 the Dutch created some sublime chances for themselves to deliver the security goal, but failed to actually do so.

Now, with the popular favorites out of the running, the stage is set for a dramatic finish, although it would seem the Netherlands will have to do much more than their efforts yielded today to be crowned champions.  With the talent-heavy Spanish, the youthful and disciplined Germans, and the ever-dangerous Argentines lurking on the other side of the bracket, it appears the world is in store for an exciting set of Quarter and Semi-final games and perhaps a lopsided final.  But if today’s first result has proven one certainty, it’s that nothing is certain at all.