The Brazil vs Netherlands World Cup 2010 match was a major showdown. Yet the Brazil vs Netherlands 2010 World Cup clash has Brazil as a heavy favorite, mainly by reputation. The Netherlands is the eternal World Cup bridesmaid, while the Brazilians are the most decorated team of all time. Therefore, even though the Dutch had been perfect thus far, the Brazilians were expected to roll through, especially after an early goal. However, the Brazil vs Netherlands World Cup 2010 showdown became the game-changer of the tournament, after the Dutch broke though in the second half.
The Dutch’s 2-1 victory eliminated the tournament favorite, and suddenly made the entire bracket wide open. Although Germany, Argentina and Spain are also still alive, the Brazilians were towering over them as the popular choice. Yet after the Brazil vs Netherlands 2010 World Cup results, the Netherlands have broken through as contenders at last.
It certainly didn’t look that way early on, as the Dutch could have easily gone down 2-0 within minutes. A goal was called offside in the seventh minute, but Robinho got one that counted in the 10’th minute. With that, it looked like it would be an easy time ahead for the five-time champions.
Somehow, the Brazil vs Netherlands World Cup 2010 match utterly changed in the second half. Brazil’s Felipe Melo started it all with an own goal in the 53’rd minute, which sucked the life out of the world’s No. 1. The Dutch took over the pace of the match, then broke through for the lead on a 68’th minute free-header by Wesley Sneijder.
Once Melo completed his day with a red card, the Brazilians were headed for a stunning defeat. Technically, the Brazil vs Netherlands World Cup 2010 results were no upset, since the Dutch actually had a better record than the Brazilians thus far. However, since they faced Brazil, the Netherlands were considered an upset winner.
Still, the favorites shot themselves in the foot for much of the second half, in an uncharacteristic display. Now the Brazilians will not win a sixth World Cup – and in fact, have been eliminated in the quarters for the second straight time.
As for the Dutch, the Brazil vs Netherlands match was their biggest World Cup win in decades. In fact, the Dutch can now dream of their first final since the 70’s, when they lost two championship matches in a row. They will undoubtedly be favored against Uruguay or Ghana in the semis, although now they have to deal with being a big favorite.
Although the Brazil vs Netherlands showdown will be considered a breakthrough for the Dutch, it will mean nothing if they lose their next match. In fact, it might mean little if they don’t finally win their first World Cup, now that it is within their grasp.
Sources
SB Nation- “World Cup 2010, Brazil vs Netherlands: Wesley Sneijder Goal Knocks-Out Favorites”
CBS Sports- “Netherlands 2-1 Brazil”
