Netherlands-Brazil was a great match, and I honestly think the winner did not deserve it. Brazil was so much stronger in the first half, we Dutch were so disorganised and the defence was terrible. Ooijer (who had a terrible season for my own PSV Eindhoven) coming in for Mathijsen didn't help, but that Robinho goal should never have happened - Van Bommel, De Jong or one of the defenders should have cut that pass out. And really, that entire first half was horendous - we should've been 2-0 or 3-0 down at the half. The defense was so poor, the communication was poor and there were so many poor passes and cases of terrible coverage. But luckily, we were only down 1-0 at the half, in part because Stekelenburg saved a brilliant shot by Kaka, and that was doable. The two goals we got were lucky, but not an unfair characterisation of the second where the Dutch team was just a lot better than the Brazilians.
A few more notes: the referee was good, but we had a few breaks - I think the referee was a bit quick to give the Dutch guys some free kicks and was a bit harsh on the Brazilians. Still, I don't think it was excessive or decisive. Van Bommel certainly should've had a card at some point, but didn't because he's so good at sucking up to the ref.
Second, the goals the Dutch made were mostly lucky and not a consequence of good play. That's troubling, to say the least.
Third, now that we've beaten Brazil and shown we can take on truly championship-class sides, we can win this cup. I'm hoping for a Netherlands-Germany final game.
Jesterka said:
Are you trying to convince me I have something against Brasiil, sweety?
Dunga fucked it up from beginning to the end very thoroughly and you'd go down facing Germany or Argentina anyway, lets face it.
Honestly, I think Dunga created the best side at this World Cup, and they went out against the Netherlands in a close match where they had some breaks go against them. But I think in quality and consistency Brazil was the best side in South Africa.
Lastly, congratulations to Uruguay for going through. But honestly, I don't think you have much of a chance. Usually I'm pretty humble and rather respectful of opponents, but Uruguay, especially without Suarez, should not be a problem for the Netherlands - as arrogant as that sounds. I don't think they have the individual quality to go through.
EDIT:
I feel bad for Heurelho Gomes, one of the my favourite players ever - the man was a hero for PSV Eindhoven and just such a good guy overall. A shame he still isn't the starter for Brazil, because he has the quality to start.
), and was really thrilled about this win. I thought going for penalty shots was the best bet Holland had (and that's not a very good bet for Holland either), but lo - it wasn't needed. Of course, they did miss at least two really open chances towards the end when it was 2-1 (and even more if you count more liberally), but they won anyway.
