Dutch stand in way of Brazil juggernaut
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
JOHANNESBURG, June 29 (AFP): Brazil swept into a World Cup quarter-final showdown with the Netherlands after a clinical and uncompromising 3-0 victory over Chile at Ellis Park Monday.
Bert van Marwijk's Dutch side saw off Slovakia 2-1 earlier in the day, with star winger Arjen Robben marking his first start of the tournament with the opening goal.
The sides will meet in Port Elizabeth Friday, in a repeat of their 1998 semi-final encounter in France, which Brazil won on penalties.
The Selecao went on to lose to the hosts in that year's final, but they look on track to capture a record-extending sixth World Cup title after handing Chile the fate of the first South American side to be eliminated from the competition.
Chile had charmed neutrals with their enterprising play in the group phase, emerging from Group H as runners-up behind Spain.
They took to the field against Brazil with the same sense of endeavour but were undone by goals in the 34th and 38th minutes and never recovered.
Roma centre-back Juan put Dunga's men in front when he rose to convert Maicon's corner with a thumping header, before Kaka adroitly set up Luis Fabiano to round Claudio Bravo and tap the ball into the unguarded net for his third tournament goal.
Marcelo Bielsa's side continued to attack gamely but they were undone once again in the 59th minute when Ramires's dribble opened up the Chile defence and Robinho curled home in masterful style from the cusp of the penalty area.
"We have to improve in all sectors of our play, but it was a nice game against Chile," said Dunga, who captained his country to World Cup glory in 1994.
"We know the Netherlands are a very difficult team to beat and they are very able technically, they play their football like South Americans."
Two-time finalists Holland have reached the last eight despite failing to hit top gear in any of their four matches to date.
Bert van Marwijk's Dutch side saw off Slovakia 2-1 earlier in the day, with star winger Arjen Robben marking his first start of the tournament with the opening goal.
The sides will meet in Port Elizabeth Friday, in a repeat of their 1998 semi-final encounter in France, which Brazil won on penalties.
The Selecao went on to lose to the hosts in that year's final, but they look on track to capture a record-extending sixth World Cup title after handing Chile the fate of the first South American side to be eliminated from the competition.
Chile had charmed neutrals with their enterprising play in the group phase, emerging from Group H as runners-up behind Spain.
They took to the field against Brazil with the same sense of endeavour but were undone by goals in the 34th and 38th minutes and never recovered.
Roma centre-back Juan put Dunga's men in front when he rose to convert Maicon's corner with a thumping header, before Kaka adroitly set up Luis Fabiano to round Claudio Bravo and tap the ball into the unguarded net for his third tournament goal.
Marcelo Bielsa's side continued to attack gamely but they were undone once again in the 59th minute when Ramires's dribble opened up the Chile defence and Robinho curled home in masterful style from the cusp of the penalty area.
"We have to improve in all sectors of our play, but it was a nice game against Chile," said Dunga, who captained his country to World Cup glory in 1994.
"We know the Netherlands are a very difficult team to beat and they are very able technically, they play their football like South Americans."
Two-time finalists Holland have reached the last eight despite failing to hit top gear in any of their four matches to date.