Dutch Stun Brazil In Football World Cup

Port Elizabeth -

In their football World Cup quarterfinal match in Port Elizabeth, the Netherlands rose from one goal down to defeat Brazil, reduced to ten-man, 2-1 on Friday.

Brazil was ahead 1-0 thanks to a goal from Robinho early in the game, but in the 2nd half, the Netherlands scored an equalizer when Felipe Melo deflected Sneijder's cross into his very own net.

In the sixty-eighth minute, Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder then put his team in the lead by heading in a winner after Dirk Kuyt skillfully flicked on Robben's corner.

From then on, things just fell apart for Brazil and Melo completed a wretched afternoon when he was red-carded for trampling on Arjen Robben.

Brazil's ouster from the World Cup brought the curtain down on coach Dunga's term.

Dunga said it was sad and difficult and nobody wants to lose and that as Brazil's commander, he takes responsibility for the bitter defeat.

Sneijder, who was really inspirational, was amazed to score a rare headed winning goal.

Sneijder said that if Brazil, considered one of the best and biggest teams was eliminated, it was a matter of relief.

A Dutch win had appeared doubtful as the 5-time World Cup champs took control from the beginning.

Melo, with an accurate pass through a sluggish Dutch defense, found Robinho and the Brazilian did not slip-up as he sent his shot past Stekelenburg in the tenth minute.

The Dutch found it tough going, but a fifty-third minute aberration from Julio Cesar, the Brazilian keeper turned things on its head. He completely missed a left-footed Sneijder cross and the unlucky Melo saw it graze his body before heading into the net.

Then, more mediocre defending permitted Sneijder to push the Netherlands ahead and when the unfortunate Melo was shown the red card, it was all over for the 5-time South American champions.

The Dutch will now face Ghana in the semifinals.