Brazil v Netherlands, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth
The day started like a nightmare for the Dutch, with center back van Bronckhorst hurting himself during warm up. Ooijer had to replace him just before kickoff. Netherlands had a very nervous start, with Robinho scoring, but Luis Fabiano was just a half a yard off. Then, in the 10th minute, Brazil's Felipe Melo sent a brilliant ball through to Robinho, who was so calm putting it past Stekelenburg. Netherlands' Dirk Kuyt forced a great save from Julio Cesar less than a minute after Brazil went up. In the 31st, Robinho showed some stunning footwork in a tight space, before finding Luis Fabiano. Fabiano's cheeky heel pass found Kaka, who took the ball from behind him beautifully, before curling an effort destined for the top corner that was turned away by the Dutch keeper. Halftime: Brazil 1.0 Netherlands. The 53rd minute finally brought the equalizer. A whipped in ball from the right, and it seemed Felipe Melo would clear, but because of the deafening vuvuzelas, could not hear Julio Cesar call him off. It came right off of Felipe Melo's head before bouncing into an empty net. In the 68th, the corner from Arjen Robben didn't seem very good, but Dirk Kuyt flicked the ball on at the near post to Wesley Sneijder, who headed to the top corner, stunning Brazil, and putting Netherlands 2.1 up. Things would get worse for the 5-time world champions, when Felipe Melo took out Robben, but then stomped on his leg resulting in a straight red card. It forced Brazil to send many more players forward, and the Dutch counter should have resulted in a 2 goal cushion. Holland were relaxing, and it seemed that Brazil could very well send it into extra time. Kaka missed a golden chance, but it wasn't enough. The Netherlands had shocked the world by taking down Brazil, final: Brazil 1.2 Netherlands
Ghana v Uruguay, Soccer City, Johannesburg
Things didn't start well for the only remaining African side, with Suarez and Forlan both coming close on separate occasions. Ghana started to find some rhythm about a half an hour in, with Gyan missing by less than a foot. But just before halftime, Muntari, who was very quiet all half, found some space about 40 yards from goal, and hit a brilliant, swerving shot, leading to an eruption of sound in Soccer City. The farthest goal of the tournament. Halftime: Ghana 1.0 Uruguay. But in the 54th, a free kick for Diego Forlan was absolutely unstoppable, and Uruguay were level. Not too many real chances, and we were headed to extra time. Some great chances, but it didn't get as good as the chance in the 121st minute. A free kick from Pantsil was crossed, not dealt with by Muslera, and a shot denied off the line and a rebounded header saved off the line by Luis Suarez WITH HIS ARM!! The red card and penalty was given, and it appeared Suarez was the villain. Asamoah Gyan, who was 2/2 in the World Cup from the spot so far, blasted the ball OFF THE BAR!! PENALTIES!! Forlan scores. Gyan finds redemption, with a near perfect PK. Victorino scores. Appiah scores for Ghana. Scotti scores, 3.2 Uruguay. And an awful penalty by the captain Mensah is SAVED! But Pereira BLASTS HIS MILES TOO HIGH! Adiyiah, steps up for Ghana, and it's almost identical to Mensah, and saved again!!!!! Uruguay can win it now, and ABREU SCORES CHIPPING IT RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE! URUGUAY ARE GOING TO THE SEMI FINALS! Heartbreak for the Ghanaians, and all of Africa. You have to feel for Asamoah Gyan, who could have won the match in the 122nd minute. By far, the most exciting match of the World Cup. It is such a cruel sport, and Ghana are eliminated in the most painful, heartbreaking, awful way. Final score: Ghana 1(2).1(4) Uruguay
Semi finals
The Netherlands, coming off of a history making win, and Uruguay, coming off of an emotional rollercoaster, promises to bring excitement. Uruguay will be without Luis Suarez, and still question marks for van Bronckhorst. Sure to be entertaining.
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