Half Time Oranjes Do The Trick As Brazil Get Beat!

That's right. Brazil have been knocked out of the World Cup in the quarterfinal stage as the Oranje Army go marching on, on, on! Never thought I would be saying that so soon. Most people expected to see Brazil in the final and perhaps picking up their sixth trophy but the Netherlands made sure that it wasn't to be the Brazilian's year as they produced an amazing comeback after initially going 1-0 down.

A game of two halves - it's one of the most-used clichés in football, but this game was the personification of that cliché. In the first half we saw a Brazil side comfortable in possession, able to pass the ball around easily and effectively, rattling the Dutch defence with every ball forward, keen to get going and generally the stronger of the two sides on the pitch. Robinho scored his second goal of the tournament with only 10 minutes gone, and suddenly it looked like it might be a long afternoon for the Dutch, who I think were largely shocked at conceding so early. I don't think that they were expecting the Brazilians to do that so early on, and I reckon they were expecting the game, at least in the early stages, to be a lot more tighter than it was.

The goal, was conjured via pure simplicity but finished with a bit of Samba flair. Felipe Melo was able to loft a long ball as he found himself in space, when Andre Oojer, starting his first game for the Dutch, and Jonny Heitinga failed to close him down. Robinho timed his run perfectly before slotting the ball in with his right foot. It was a sensational goal from straight down the middle, and the first the Dutch have conceded from open play, in this tournament. Previously, the Dutch had only conceded twice but were totally undone here. Oojer had been called up to the side very late on after Mathijsen had limped off in the warm-up and he was given quite the run-around in the first half as Brazil continued to dominate.

The Dutch did try to respond but it was really difficult for them to penetrate the Brazilian defence as it was rock solid in the first half. They were well drilled, well organised and quick to track back and get onto the ball once they had lost possession. You felt the only way the Dutch could come back into it was if there was a set-piece that they could make the best use of or perhaps a mistake. And this is indeed what did happen in the second half. The first half was a largely fractious affair with plenty of silly fouls and niggly tackles that saw the ref produce a few yellow cards. Players from both sides kept fouling their opposition provoking a stop-start atmosphere to the game. This suited the Brazilians more though, because it meant they were able to break up any rhythm the Dutch might have tried to create and it allowed them to go back and organise themselves. For the Dutch, it was impossible for them to conjure up any real fluency or connectivity in their play because the ref kept blowing his whistle.

It was also really difficult for star-man Robben to get himself into the game. We know that when he plays out on the right, he likes to cut inside and run at defenders before creating space and a good position to shoot from range. However, it all became a bit too predictable as not only did the Brazilians cut off most of the supply to the right but everytime Robben got the ball, the Brazilians knew what he was going to do and were able to block him each time he tried to shoot. Robben was just taking three touches too many to control the ball, giving the Brazilians time to gather and there were like 4 or 5 blocking his shots proving a frustrating first 45 minutes for the Bayern Munich player.

I think for the Brazilians, they all thought that it was looking easy from here on in. The Dutch were unable to find some kind of inspiration to evade the Brazilian defence and the Brazilians were pressing forward to get their second, which they almost did, had it not been for the magnificent saves of Stekelenburg. In fairness, the Dutch keeper hasn't had too much to do in their previous games, compared to this game, and he showed that he was alert to the danger and kept the Netherlands still in with a chance. First he saved from Kaka, whose shot was most definitely curling into the top corner of the net. Had Kaka just put a bit more power into it, then maybe it would have been too difficult for Stekelenburg to get any fingertips too, but it was a fine save nonetheless. And, then Stekelenburg also palmed away Maicon's shot which was also on its way in.

I don't know what kind of oranjes the Dutch boys ate at half-time, but they certainly did the trick as the Dutch got themselves back in the game with only 8 minutes gone off the second-half. It was a flukey-ish goal that shocked the Dutch themselves, as much as it did the Brazilians. I was right in thinking it would take a set-piece or mistake or something for the Oranje Army to get themselves back in it, as Robben took a short free-kick passing the ball out to Sneijder, who whipped the ball into a dangerous area and so it nudge of Felipe Melo's head and bounce into the back of the net, with Julio Cezar looking on in utter dismay. The Dutch had found a way back in and for the second time they had scored via an own-goal. Interestingly, that was the first ever own-goal to be scored by a Brazilian in any World Cup competition. What a record to break.

The Dutch knew they were now in with a serious chance and grasped the opportunity with both hands. The goal came at exactly the right moment - a good response, early in the second half that unsettled the Brazilians, whom defence I had just been praising at half-time and breathed new life and energy into the Dutch play. At half-time I was thinking that this Brazil team could seriously go all the way and win - they were looking great upfront as always, but their defence was sharp too - when you have both bits of play sorted, coupled with a great goalkeeper, well, you're 90% of the way there right?

Brazil launched themselves forward once more to restore their lead and Kaka again came close, sending the ball just wide. But, it was the Dutch that found themselves in the lead for the very first time in the game after yet another set-piece created chaos in the Brazilian back-line. This time the ball came in from a corner which Kuyt flicked on to Wesley Sneijder, who made no mistake in claiming the goal this time, as it came off his head and nestled into the net. It was pure joy and elation for the Dutch and their fans, as they realised that they were 20 minutes away from knocking out one of the tournament's favourites and advancing to the semis with another win under their belt.

The Brazilians then went into panic mode and then total meltdown, as those 20 minutes of madness cost them their place in the next round. The Samba boys (and girls) of Brazil are known for their chilled attitude...relaxing on Copacabana beach...not getting bogged down by the stresses of life, but Brazil's attitude was far from chilled, as they completely lost their cool as they tried in vain to get that second goal. They were frustrated and fouls were happening all over the pitch, which clearly was of no help to their cause. What was of even less help was Felipe Melo getting sent off for stamping on Robben after Robben had been awarded a free-kick. It was cynical and it was stupid and he deserved a red. What madness - your team are trying to score another goal, so how does it help them by you getting sent off? This Brazilian team were looking less and less like the one we saw in almost complete control in the first-half as they threw everything forward to score and left themselves totally open at the back.

In fact, the Dutch could have scored three or four and totally killed the game off instead of making us wait for a bit of a nervy end to what was otherwise a thrilling second-half. In the end, the Dutch did enough to hang on and defend for all their might to get the win that sees their unbeaten run stretch to 24 games. A massive victory for the Oranje army after a stunning fightback and they will now feel that this could finally be their year. As for the Brazilians, well their dream ends here, and the next time we see them play in the World Cup will be in their very own country...

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Only a few short hours after their defeat, the Brazilian coach Dunga accepted "full responsibility" for Brazil's exit from the tournament and has said that he will resign as manager, after failing to reach the semis both in 2010 and 2006. Dunga is not the only coach to tender his resignation - several other managers have done the same following their respective exits from the competition. One of the only managers whose sides have exited early and failed to live up to expectations, but still with a job? Well, Fabio Capello of course.

Brazil Beat Chile To Reach Quarters...

Brazil will now go on to face Holland in what will be one of the most anticipated quarterfinals after their comfortable and relatively untroubled victory over fellow South Americans, Chile last night. Chile, who finished second in Group H, were the first South American team to be knocked out of the World Cup and were unfortunately just not good enough to see off the 5 times winners.

To their credit, Chile have been exciting to watch in this competition, together with their coach, Marcelo Bielsa or "El Loco" as they like to call him. He has ensured that his team are well drilled and finish the job off properly, but they were always on the losing side of the battle coming into this game with key players - Estrada, Ponce and Medel suspended.

Chile started off the brighter - taking the game to Brazil, but it was nothing that the Brazilian defence coupled with the men in front of them - Gilberto and Ramires, couldn't handle. As the game wore on, slowly but surely Brazil assumed the ascendancy, enjoying more of the possession and more threat going forward. However, it was difficult for them to produce their classic moments of flair and style with Chile quick to get on to the ball everytime Brazil had possession. So if you can't do it the Brazilian way, well then you might as well do it the British way - from a corner kick. In what was the most un-Brazilian of goals, Juan headed home brilliantly after making great contact from Maicon's corner kick. He rose higher than the Chilean defenders who failed to mark him properly and Brazil were 1-0 up.

Chile were then forced to score or else go home without trying. This, as always, left them vulnerable to Brazil counter-attacking football, and in the end this was what was to be their undoing. Just 4 minutes after Juan had scored, a brilliant move by Brazil gave Luis Fabiano his third goal of the tournament. This goal was much more Brazilian in style than the first after Robinho was able to collect the ball on the left and square it to Kaka who was back after his suspension. Kaka took the weight of the ball and it was a perfect pass for Luis Fabiano who made no mistake in skipping past Bravo and slotting the ball into an empty net. A sumptious move which pretty much ended Chile's hopes of a comeback.

Robinho got on the scoresheet not long after half-time to really dent any hopes of a Chile comeback scoring a magnificent goal after a great long run from Ramires, who unselfishly passed the ball out to the Man City man to chip delightfully over Bravo who could do nothing to stop that from going in. Bielsa knew that Chile's time in SA was almost up, but he wasn't going to leave without trying. He used all 3 substitutes shortly after the goal, and Valdivia went close with his strike just going high. Suazo, who had been pretty disappointing until then, did eventually force a save from Cezar but it was well and truly out of their reach as Brazil completely slowed the pace down and Chile's attacking options became limited.

Chile have done themselves proud in this tournament, but were just in a different league to their South American neighbours. It probably didn't help that they were missing some of their best players either. I'd like to say something about the style in which Brazil are playing as it makes for intriguing reading, particularly with their game against the Dutch to come. As I mentioned in the post below, the Dutch are being criticised back home for the way they have been playing in this tournament. They have been winning but not doing so in their 'total' style. They have been clinical, efficient and ruthless. Well Dunga and this Brazilian team are very much the same if you think about it. And, Dunga has also been criticised by the Brazilian media for sacrificing the 'samba' style for a more systematic approach. Dunga has also been clinical, efficient and ruthless, much like van Marwijk. So it will be definitely interesting to see the two similar styles clash with each other from teams that have been known traditionally for their flamboyancy and artistry on the pitch.

Also, I would just like to say a word or two about Gilberto Silva. This man is the real unsung hero of the Brazilian team. He may not be the best going forward but boy does he do his job. Like when he was at Arsenal, Dunga employs him as the holding man - the man who must sit in front of his back four and shield them. Every ball that comes his way, every pass that goes astray - he makes sure he's on to it so that his defence doesn't get hit. Wow, he's so great I've even started writing poetically about him. But in all seriousness, he really is Mr. Reliable. There have not been too many cases when he has done much wrong and he definitely does his fair share of the work for Brazil. It's gonna be tough for the Dutch forwards to get much past him so they had better get their thinking caps on, to come up with ways of getting past the solid rock of wall that is, Gilberto Silva.

Brazil & Portugal Through After Stalemate

Brazil vs. Portugal. Two of the biggest names in football playing against each other on the biggest stage of them all. The entertaining prospect sends shivers down the spines of football fans the world over and has them licking their lips at what looks to be a thrilling, edge-of-the-seat game. You'd be stupid to miss it right? ...Well, no actually as the case may be. In fact, you'd probably be better off doing other things or watching the other game.

When the draw was made for the World Cup groups, way back in December, if any fixture stood head and shoulders above the rest it was this one. Two teams with real potential, sublime talent, fabulous flair oozing in class, style and intelligent football. It was a shame then that we saw barely anything of what we expected. This encounter, on paper anyway, promised to be enthralling, energetic and full of exquisite football. It could be described better as dull, dire, disappointing, DRAW.

Portugal started off as the brighter of the two sides, with Brazil playing without the injured Elano and the suspended Kaka. Portugal, currently second in the group, had pretty much rendered the other game between the Ivory Coast and North Korea meaningless thanks to their superior goal difference, and both teams were simply playing for pride. All Portugal really needed was a point to secure their position and Brazil were comfortably through to the next round, so they weren't really in desperate need of a win, unlike Italy yesterday. This is probably what made the game so fraught and niggly, ending up 0-0 at the final whistle. It stood in sharp contrast to the Italy-Slovakia game, with spectators unable to keep their eyes away from one game, but unable to keep their eyes from closing in the other.

Brazil soon began to dominate possession wise, and were able to pass it at will in midfield. However, that was about all they could do as for large parts of the first half they were unable to penetrate the Portuguese defence. When they did, it was largely down the wings, particularly with Maicon who, as the game wore on, was seen further and further down the pitch in the Portuguese third. Nilmar, had undoubtedly the best chance of the first half, but his shot was saved well by keeper, Eduardo who managed to get it on to the frame of the goal. Luis Fabiano, who has scored 2 superbly taken goal already, tried to add a third to his name but Eduardo again, was once more equal to it. Portugal have now kept clean sheets in all but 4 of their last 17 games, and it looked like they were going to keep it at 4, in part thanks to Eduardo's fine saves, but also to some good closing down and tracking back by the Portuguese defenders.

Fabio Coentrao and Raul Meireles have been really impressive so far in the tournament, but they were kept largely quiet by Brazil, as was Ronaldo. Most of the game tended to be played in midfield, before either team broke away, but it was a frustrating affair both for the players and the spectators. There were 7 bookings just in the first half alone preventing any kind of free-flowing football. What we got were a number of poorly taken free kicks, including Ronaldo's free-kicks which were well short of his best. Perhaps he should take a tip or two off Honda or Endo! Pepe and Felipe Melo seemed to be in a battle of their own down on the left hand side, with both constantly fouling the other, and both getting booked in the process.

There was a huge shout for a sending-off when Brazilian defender Juan clearly hand-balled some 40 yards from goal, as Ronaldo was closing down on a long-ball seeking to control it and get it past him. From Juan's reaction, he looked relieved to see just a yellow, but it could have been much worse had the referee deemed it to be denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. The Portuguese players were clearly unimpressed, and Duda was booked for his protests.

Ronaldo, playing as the lone front man, improved slightly in the second half, having another great chance to run at the defence, but Lucio got in a sliding block just in the nick of time to prevent Ronaldo from scoring. Ronaldo, again set up the ball for Raul Meireles, who could only shoot wide and didn't do enough to trouble Julio Cezar. It was difficult for Brazil to really create anything, not only because they couldn't find a way past the Portuguese defence which was highly organised, but because they were playing at too slow a tempo, to have any real affect at going forward. Their coach Dunga was absolutely screaming down at the touchline, he was doing his nut in trying to make them play faster and get the ball moving quicker to at least try and trouble the Portuguese.

Brazil went close at the other end with Ramires striking a shot from distance, in injury time, only to see it saved by a diving Eduardo. The game petered out to a no-score draw provoking jeers from the masses of travelling supporters, who had paid good money for what looked a mighty promising encounter. Instead, what we got was a largely fractious affair, with no real tempo to the game whatsoever and no goals for either of the two sides.

Brazil go through as group winners, and Portugal will finish in second place, with either one of these teams possibly facing European champions, Spain. The Brazilians lacked their usual flair, trickery and "samba" football, whilst the Portuguese remained rock solid at the back, thanks in no small part to Eduardo. Portugal remain the only European team in the competition to have not conceded a goal...even the Swiss can't better that...and it makes one wonder how the opposition will be able to get a goal past them...

In the other Group G game, the Ivory Coast exited the competition with a bang, becoming the fifth African team to leave on African soil. They beat North Korea by 3 goals to 0, with Yaya Toure, Romaric and Chelsea's Salomon Kalou getting their names on the scoresheet. From watching the highlights, it looked as though Boka had a superb game. He seemed to be at the centre of everything and looked really impressive for the Elephants, who stomp out of the competition with 4 points to their name. North Korea finish bottom with nil-points.

Brazil Through To Last 16...

Brazil beat the Ivory Coast to send them through to the next stage of the competition, but for the Ivory Coast it was a night to forget, and leaves them with only the slightest of hopes to qualify. The game was packed with goals, cards and controversial decisions but despite the scoreline, it was not a classic Brazilian victory - more of a composed and measured one. In the end it was enough. Whilst, the Ivory Coast still remain in the competition, it doesn't look likely that they will qualify meaning that yet another African team will go crashing out in what has been a really difficult tournament for the African sides.

Kaka was the player most criticised following their 2-1 victory against North Korea. He was substituted off early, and during the game, he wasn't really anywhere to be seen. He had difficulty in getting the ball and making the most of the possession with his magic touches, that won him the Footballer of the Year Award in 2007. However, little did he know that he was to be at the centre of this match.

It was Kaka that was provider for the first goal, passing the ball to Luis Fabiano who played a nice one-two with him, before firing it into the net. That goal came 25 minutes into the match, after both teams had started off rather tentatively, much like the first group games. The Ivory Coast were happy to have captain and star man Didier Drogba back from injury. But unfortunately for them, he didn't look fully fit and was not able to influence the game as much as he would have liked. The game was being played at a pretty slow tempo until the goal was scored.

The Ivory Coast knew that they had to change their shape and open themselves up a bit if they were to go forward and score. And they really needed the goals. In doing so, Didier Drogba operated as a lone frontman with 5 midfielders behind him to add more width to their game, and so open Brazil's defence up a bit, and get behind the fullbacks.

But, they were soon caught out by Luis Fabiano again, as he managed to control the ball brilliantly (or so it seemed) and scored from close range. However, replays showed that he clearly handled the ball as it rolled off his shoulder whilst he tried to control it and it should have been disallowed. The referee, Stephane Lannoy, from France even asked Luis Fabiano if he handled it, would you believe it or not! Well he's hardly gonna say yes then is he?!

Kaka actually had a great chance to make it 3 for the Samba boys but could only direct it at the keeper. However, he was on hand to dance his way past the Ivorian defenders and unselfishly get the ball out for Elano to score his second goal, which he celebrated by pulling out his shin pads, which had the name of his kids printed on them. It was a good job he put them back in, because had he not done so, he would have been even more badly injured by a nasty tackle from an Ivory Coast player. He was stretchered off the pitch and it looks like it could just be heavy bruising, and thankfully nothing worse.

The game did not end there though as there was still time for another goal. Didier Drogba got his first goal of the tournament, as a overhead pass from Yaya Toure found its way over to him, and he was able to head the ball in. However, it proved to be nothing more than a consolation goal for his team, as the game ended 3-1.

But, before it could end, there was yet another big moment in the game with Kaka being sent off for two yellow cards. It came with only 5 or so minutes remaining when Kaka was punished with a yellow for pushing Yaya Toure. However, having only just been booked, he was sent off the field a minute later, for what looked like a nothing collision. It sparked a moment of confusion, chaos and madness, as players from both sides began having it out with each other. The referee took a moment to consider things, before Kaka saw red. However, watching on the replays it was clear to see that the referee had been conned. In no way, was that a yellow card. Kaka and Keita had both come together, and there was a little nudge by Kaka, but that was it. Kaka didn't hit Keita on the face, but Keita collapsed holding his hands to his face as though he had just been smacked. We don't like seeing things like that, and it's really stupid for a player to go down faking it. Not only are they doing a disservice to their fellow players, but they are going to be caught out sooner or later, as there are cameras following you everywhere. We know what went on with Zidane and how that tarnished his reputation. It might help you in a game, but the Ivory Coast, at 3-1 down and with barely 5 minutes on the clock left, were going nowhere. It was a silly bit of playacting that will prevent Kaka from playing for Brazil in the next game. As unfair as it was, it did remind one of the famous Rivaldo incident at the corner flag so maybe the Turkish will see it as karma. However, the most astonishing thing about all of this is that the referee nor his assistants saw what happened!!! The referee, at the time was watching the ball in front of him, whereas Kaka and Keita were on his left side. He only went by the reaction of the player, Keita and the Ivory Coast players who surrounded him. His assistant was way over on the far side, so he was of no use. But seriously, if the referee hasn't seen what's gone on then how can he make a decision?! It was a poor, poor call by the ref but luckily Kaka has only been given a one-match ban.

Well, I said before in an earlier post, that no world cup is complete without controversial decisions, and it seems that in the last few days we've had a few too many...

What's that I can hear? Oh it's the beat of the Samba drums...that can only mean one thing...

Well there were definitely tears in this one. Although before we had even gotten started. The No. 9 for North Korea - Tae Se Jong was clearly very emotional during the national anthems bit. He was in tears as his country's anthem played out, and it really hit home how much it means to the players. It was quite heartwarming to see the passion and pride so overtly, especially coming from a player whose country has been involved in serious political turmoil for many, many years. I heard that if North Korea failed to win this game, then they would not show the televised match in the capital of North Korea. I also heard that they had used Chinese actors to pose as North Korean fans in the stadium. None of this is confirmed of course, and I sincerely hope that it is just rumour, and not the truth, because North Korea did themselves and their country really proud tonight, after pulling of a surprising but determined performance against the team ranked No.1.

The Brazilians, and probably everyone else, were not expecting the type of performance they got from the North Koreans. The samba boys found it extremely difficult to break down a stoic and plucky North Korean defence and went into half time with the scores still 0-0. It looked like it was going to be another one of those games, that we have seen all too often, already in the tournament. The kind where the tempo's slow, there's not too many chances, both teams are cautious, it stays 0-0 for ages, and then one team wins it by a goal or two. But, to be fair, I thought that Brazil and North Korea started off rather well. There was pace and Brazil in particular, were keen to get the ball moving.

North Korea, were sort of similar to Japan in a sense, they were very well organised, not out of position too often, resolute at the back and hoping to break on the counter. Their style of play suited the attacking Brazil, who saw most of the ball and the chances in the first half. On loan player Robinho, dazzled in the early stages, with some pretty stepovers, whilst Bastos and Elano had some shots from range. That's another thing I have noticed in this tournament, so many players are shooting from far out. I'm not sure whether it's because of this new ball and the things people have been saying about it, but there do certainly seem to be shots coming in from far out...the only thing is that they haven't really been on target, otherwise we would be talking about some pretty spectacular goals! I was a bit disappointed by Kaka. He was substituted later on in the second half, and he didn't really do much during the time he was on. He had no real impact on the game which was a shame.

Brazil realised that North Korea were able to squeeze the ball out really well, when it got nearer to their goal, which is why they tried the long ball and long distance shot approach. To their credit, North Korea did not just sit back and defend, which is what made this game entertaining to watch, unlike some of the ones we have already seen. They broke several times on the counter with Jong able to rattle Cezar and the Brazilian defence. It looked like an upset, or at least another draw, was on the cards as the teams headed into the half time break. North Korea, were quite clearly the happier of the two.

It was not until the 55th minute that Inter's Maicon was able to break this strong North Korean defence. It was actually a pretty weird kind of goal. Maicon was able to get down the right hand side and from what seemed like an improbable angle, he was able to get the ball away and it somehow landed into the back of the net. There has been debate about this goal though - did he intend to shoot, or was it actually a cross? I think he meant to cross it. But he's Brazilian, so I can't be sure. It was such a tight angle though, I mean he was practically horizontal to the goal and watching from the replay, the ball was played straight on, but it just swerved, before it landed in the North Korean goal. It was a blow for the North Koreans, who had done so well at keeping the Brazilians at bay, until then. The pass from Elano to Maicon was great, by the way.

Whilst North Korea pressed forward to get the equaliser, they were left open at the back. It was a superb pass from Robinho which sailed over the defenders, like a knife through butter, that provided the assist for Brazil's second goal. Elano latched on to the ball, controlled it beautifully and took the shot, which looked to have won them the game. It was a great finish from the former Man City player. But if Brazil thought it was all over, they were made to think again, with a lovely attacking move by North Korea. In fact, you might have even thought, it was Brazil in disguise, the way they passed the ball. Yun-Nam Ji was able to control it and coolly slot it pass Julio Cezar to give them a consolation. They really deserved that goal, and one could say they were quite unlucky to not get a point out of the game. For their passion, determination and willingness to work hard and try and get something out of the game, they certainly deserved a point. But Brazil were dominant in possession, made their chances count when they needed to and saw off the game from a side that gave them a real run for their money, and so they probably deserved the victory in the end.

The good thing was, we had an entertaining game of football. For the first time in the competition, the losing side managed to score. And there were no Mexican waves during the game (in the previous games, which have lacked in entertainment value, there has been plenty of Mexican waving going on). An entertaining game of attacking football in what has been a largely defensive and cagey tournament so far? It can only mean one thing: the Samba boys have danced their way into town!