Errors. They have been at the forefront of this World Cup – whether it is from officials or players. And two cost a mentally weak Brazil a further place in South Africa. Credit to the Dutch, it’s about capitalizing on your chances in the knockout stages. They did.
Brazil looked impressive in the first half, with Robinho opening the scoring on 10 minutes. The Dutch defending was poor, and in turn, ripped apart by one pass.
So comfortable at the break, the game turned in the second half. But there were signs of a frustrated Brazil in the first.
Goal scorer Robinho was consistently verbal to the referee and his opposition. Invisible striker Luis Fabiano also kicked out at an opponent after being brought down.
It all came to fruition in the second.
Fortuitously for the Dutch, Brazilian pair Felipe Melo and keeper Julio Cesar combined for an extraordinary error that led to the equalizer.
Place the blame on who you like, it was an exceptional error that may have been the first instigator of an amazing second period. Brazil’s intensity, tempo and attacking influence had disappeared.
The Dutch had barely changed a thing, with boss Bert van Marwijk sticking to his guns and his 4-2-3-1 formation. Winger Arjen Robben had learned how to regain his feet, after losing them on many occasions in the first half after the equalizer.
He had continually taken one too many touches, though, but his Brazilian opponents continued to foul him.
Netherlands got a second, from another cross, as the best player on the pitch Wesley Sneijder found himself free inside six yards.
He converted and every sign of mental weakness broke loose as some of Dunga’s temperamental men lost their cool. First, Felipe Melo was rightfully sent off for stamping on Robben’s quad.
The Bayern Munich man was getting under the skin of his opponents. Whether they thought he was falling over too easily or otherwise, Robben was doing his job.
Robinho continued his verbal barrage soon after as Robben was fouled again. Frustration – at the situation, at teammates or at themselves – it was a mentally weak Brazilian side.
A good team capitalizes and the Dutch did. Temperament will become more and more important as the tournament goes on.
Players need to remain cool when the game is seemingly lost, with time running out.
The final is one step away for the Dutch. How far will they go?
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