Full Time: Holland 2 Brazil 1A fairytale ending.
1st goal for Holland. An own goal by Melo. 1-1.
(2 July 2010)
What a story! What a goal! What a comeback!
Against the odds, a goal down and feeling the heat. Apparently all those factors did not affect the composure of a bunch of cool Dutch who turned the table and beat the 5-time World champions Brazil in their quarterfinal match in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Who could have imagined that arguably the best South American team has bow out of the 2010 Fifa World Cup at the quarterfinal? Yes, they did.
I was awoken by the calls from Keith and Yien Jun at around 9pm as they have agreed to meet to view the match at Macs. I was late. The moment I went down at 9.30pm, it was flooded. Flooded with people of all kinds. Uncles carrying newspapers, teenagers speaking loudly, and of course curious foreign workers (I guess mostly from Bangladesh). The place was at its peak.
Given no choice, I had to stand, with my best buddies, throughout the entire match. True enough, there were so many more Brazilian fans than the Dutch. And mind you, I was wearing the Dutch Orange shirt. Initially, I was quite hesitant to wear that shirt out. Thinking that it might be my first and last time wearing it, I decided to just go for it. It was not a bad decision though.
Then, in the 10th minute, Robinho scored after a well-slotted through pass. Goal! The atmosphere was starting to build up. I was quite disheartened since I din expect such a fast goal. Indeed, everyone cheered, except me! Well, it was that one-sided after all, it gave me a little hope.
Holland 0 Brazil 1
After 35 minutes with shave chances, the Holland managed to survive the half with just a goal down with good saves from the Dutch goalkeeper.
Half Time: Holland 0 Brazil 1
Second half, with a packet of coffee in my hand, was much contented with the Dutch team. They played with more conviction and determination. More entertaining to watch, I must say. They controlled the entire half with much more possession as well. Efforts were paid off in the 53th minute. A free kick from Sneijder sent the Brazilian defence into chaos and there was a mixed up between Julio Cesar and Melo. In the end, Melo headed the goal into his own net.
Holland 1 Brazil 1
Confidence was certainly growing in the Dutch camp. They are passing more freely after the goal since Brazil tries to push up. This might be a crucial blow and soon later in the 68th minute the second came. Well, it was a Dutch goal! It came from a corner which Kuyt flicked on and allowed Sneijder to head in. The Oranje crowd was all on their feet in the screen, so too was the minority supporters at Macs. I shouted, jumped and hugged Keith. It was brilliant!
Holland 2 Brazil 1
Think of a Brazilian comeback? It never happened. In fact, it exacerbated. Melo was caught stomping on Van Persie and the funny-looking Japanese took out his card and it was red! It just wasn't their day given their good start. Brazil down to 10 man, odds are against them now. With due respect, Brazil came close with a series of corners with Lucio closest to scoring their equaliser. It was nerve-breaking right at the end! After 3 long minutes of injury time, it was it! Brazil crashed out of the 2010 World Cup! All the Brazilian hearts were broken, it showed it all on the faces of the players. For the Dutch, it extended their 24-match unbeaten run that sent them into the semi-final in Cape Town on Tuesday.
Final score: Holland 2 Brazil 1
What a match! Now with Holland through, they have to wait to see whether they face Uruguay or Ghana which is playing currently. Now, critics comment that Holland has high probability going to the final on 11 July, assuming they clear their semi-final match.
Anyway, Ghana just scored in the second minute of injury time in the first half! What a superb long-range strike!
Uruguay 0 Ghana 1
So, will the Dutch fairytale continue?
