The Netherlands 2, Brazil 1
The last time the Netherlands had come back from a one-goal deficit to win in the World Cup was in 1994 against Saudi Arabia. Sixteen years later, the Dutch did it again, but this time, it was against the world's strongest powerhouse to advance to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of Uruguay-Ghana.
The match was mostly even, with both teams putting four shots on net, and Netherlands owning just a slight advantage in possession at 51 percent.
With Brazil leading in the 53rd minute, Wesley Sneijder sent a ball from 25 yards out toward the net. A handful of players in both orange and blue uniforms jumped for it, and the ensuing traffic jam resulted in an own-goal and a tie game. The ball skidded off Brazil's Felipe Melo, who jumped in the way of goalkeeper Julio Cesar, and into the net for a 1-1 tie. The Netherlands took the improbable lead 15 minutes later off a corner kick. The offering was a low, curling cross, which ran across the head of Dirk Kuyt and across the box to Sneijder, who headed it into the wide-open left side of the net for a 2-1 lead.
Brazil looked to be in firm control of this one, taking an early lead. In the 10th minute, Melo fired a pass from midfield, through the heart of the Dutch defense, and onto the foot of Robinho. The star striker one-touched it past Netherlands goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg for the quick goal.
Brazil's attempt at a comeback was not helped by Melo's red card, resulting out of pure frustration. With 17 minutes to play, Melo took down a Dutch player and stomped on his hamstring with his cleat, making it an easy decision for the referee to send him to the locker room early. The five-time champions were unable to score with a man down.
Uruguay 1 (4), Ghana 1 (2) Penalty Kicks
The second game on tap went to penalty kicks as Uruguay squeezed passed Ghana to move on after fighting to a draw after both regulation and extra time.
Sully Muntari gave Ghana the lead a little bit before half time but Uruguay was given a penalty kick in the 55th minute and Diego Forlan put it home to knot the game up.
Forlan, Mauricio Victorino, Andres Scotti, and Sebastian Abreu all scored their penalty kicks to give Uruguay the 4-2 win in the penalty kick round.
Uruguay will face The Netherlands in their first semifinal game since 1970
Round of Eight (winners in bold)
The Netherlands vs. Brazil
Uruguay vs. Ghana
Germany vs. Argentina
Paraguay vs. Spain
Here is the complete World Cup schedule.
