Slovakia had just eliminated defending champions, Italy, with a great performance. Netherlands, with Arjen Robben back, things are looking good for the Dutch. A perfect 9 points in Group E, but that all resets now. Some good play in the opening 15, but nothing too threatening. Then a long ball from Sneijder, and Robben used his pace to latch on. He then cut in onto his powerful left boot past 2 defenders, before smashing it low and hard past Mucha to put the Oranje 1.0 up. That's how they would go into the break. Mucha was making some very good saves for Slovakia. But in the 84th, a quick free kick to Kuyt, draws Mucha off his line; Kuyt plays square to van Persie, who simply passes it to double the Dutch lead. In the 2nd of the 3 added minutes, Vittek went to ground in the area. The ref pointed to the spot, and Vittek pulled one back for the Slovaks. But it was too late, and the final score: Netherlands 2.1 Slovakia
Brazil v Chile, Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
Chile started off, surprisingly, on the front foot, but couldn't finish. Soon enough, Brazil were as good as always, and Chile were then being outplayed. Not many good chances until Juan headed past Bravo from a corner. 4 minutes later, Kaka slipped in Fabiano, and he rounded the keeper, and put Brazil 2 up. Halftime: Brazil 2.0 Chile. In the 59th, a specialty of Rooney and Ashley Young now being performed by Robinho, bending the ball to the far post from the corner of the 18. In just 25 minutes, Chile went from level with arguably the best footballing nation ever, to 3.0 down. Robinho scored a second in the 77th, but it was disallowed for offsides. The English officiating crew were brilliant. Suazo hit the bar with 12 minutes left, but Chile never pulled one back, being the first scoreless team of the knockout rounds. Final: Brazil 3.0 Chile
Quarter-final
It has the potential to be the World Cup final, with the mighty Brazil face a 4 wins out of 4 Netherlands. Think about these match-ups. Bastos on Robben, Lucio on van Persie, with Sneijder and Kaka going at it at center midfield. What a great quarter-final we have coming up.
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