Selecao Suffer More Humiliation In Brasilia

An early breakthrough from the Dutch attackers and a late dagger to the chest from Giorgino Wijnaldum proved to be enough to end the hosts’ own World Cup in pain.

BY WAQAR HUSSAIN

BRAZIL 0 – 3 NETHERLANDS

Mexico 1 – 0 Cameroon
Oribe Peralta (62′)
Friday 13 June 2014
Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)
Estádio das Dunas, Natal
Group A, World Cup Game #2

– See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf

Brazil 0 – 3 Netherlands
Robin van Persie (3′) Daley Blind (16′) Giorgino Wijnaldum (91′)
Saturday 12 July 2014
Kick-off: 9pm BST / 4pm ET
Estádio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasília
Third-Place Playoff, World Cup Game #63


Going into this bronze medal decider, neither side was particularly willing to play out another testing 90 minutes of pointless football.


However, an energetic Arjen Robben, as he has been all summer, was sent clear after 80 seconds and was hauled down by the returning captain Thiago Silva. Replays, however, showed that initial contact was made outside the box, there were also strong calls for Silva to be sent off. Up stepped Robin van Persie to smash his penalty into the top corner for his fourth goal of the tournament, level with Lionel Messi and Neymar. Again in quick succession, David Luiz made a terrible defensive mistake, his weak headed clearance landed at the feet of left back Daley Blind, who duly fired in for his first ever international goal, cueing thousands of Brazilian tears. The Selecao grew into the game though, as Oscar and Maxwell tried and failed while Jonathan de Guzman and van Persie had similar cases at the other end.

After the half time break, Arjen Robben was again at the centre of the action, his shot deflected over while Ramires and David Luiz had close attempts on goal. Oscar and Hulk tried numerous more times while Arjen Robben and co attempted to unlock the yellow line of defence again. Luiz Felipe Scolari cut a frustrated and troubled figure on the touchline and Holland rubbed salt in the Brazilian wounds as Giorgino Wijnaldum fired in from close range in stoppage time to secure the bronze medals.

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: Arjen Robben
Flop of the Match: Thiago Silva
Possession: Brazil 57% Netherlands 47%
Shots: Brazil 10 Netherlands 8

Robben proves his class
After a controversial but promising and explosive World Cup, it certainly seems like the rapid winger is one of the favourites for the Adidas Golden Ball award.

So after a promising but cautious start to the tournament, pressure finally caught up with Brazil as their World Cup ended in disaster following successive losses. As for the Dutch, it was another brave and exciting performance as they dazzled under Louis van Gaal for the final time.

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Argentina Through to Final In Dramatic Penalty Shootout

After a goalless 0-0 draw, Argentina thwarted Netherlands on penalties to set up a World Cup final showdown with Germany.

BY @SUPPORTINGBROCK

NETHERLANDS 0 – 0 ARGENTINA


Netherlands 0 – 0 Argentina
(Argentina won 4-2 on penalties)
Oribe Peralta (62′)
Friday 13 June 2014
Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)
Estádio das Dunas, Natal
Group A, World Cup Game #2

– See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf

Wednesday 9 July 2014
Kick-off: 9pm BST / 4pm ET
Arena Corinthians, São Paulo
Semi-Final, World Cup Game #62


In a cloudy atmosphere in São Paulo, the passionate football fans were awaiting a highly anticipated match-up in this Semi-Final clash. The winners go on to meet Germany in the final. 


The opening 10 minutes were very even as both theams were trying to hold on to possession and slowly break the opposition down. Javier Mascherano was seen being very tight especially with Robben to stop the Dutchman getting in on the defence. 

A low, fast free kick from Lionel Messi is saved by Jasper Cillessen. 

Nearly 20 minutes and no major chances were created but Argentina were just getting forward a bit more with Higuain, Lavezzi and Perez trying hard to create chances and break through the Netherlands defence. 

Argentina had a good shape when attacking and especially defending as they weren’t allowing Van Persie and Robben run at them or get any decent shots on goal. Still mostly even though.

Argentina fired a corner in and it was centre back Garay who got on the end of it but he put just a bit too much on the header and went over the bar. Good corner, it beat most defenders.

Javier Mascherano suffers a knock to the head and may of lost a few seconds of conciousness but he opted to stay on. 

Half an hour in and no real chances were created. Garay’s header was probably the most threatning of the game and for Argentina. Nothing really for Netherlands to shout about as they only put away one shot, that being Sneijder’s which was put wide. 

15 minutes after half time and a good and a good run and cross from Lavezzi meets the head of Gonzalo Higuain but the Napoli striker was unable to get full contact on the ball and guide it into the goal. 

Another 15 minutes after that and Higuain had another good chance. A low, dangerous cross fell to him but he clipped the ball against the side netting. Argentina looking most likely to take the lead. 

Netherlands were trying hard to create chances as Arjien Robben was running down the left flank but still nothing was that good enough to scrape a goal past the Argentinians. 

Just a few minutes from time and Robben had a huge chance to steal it as the Bayern Munich man dribbled through into the box only to be denied by a sensational sliding tackle from Javier Mascherano. Best chance of the game.

The full 90 minutes were played and nothing could sepererate the two teams. Extra Time was needed. 

Arijen Robben sweetly struck a shot on target but it went right into the grasp of Romero. 

Argentina’s best chance came when a lovely chip over the Netherlands defence saw Rodriguez in on goal. He tried heading past the keeper but Cillessen kept it out. 

Netherlands were forward again and a Dirk Kuyt strike was hit with power but was deflected. 

Extra Time was played and still nothing could separate the teams. Penalties it missed

Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder missed their penalties, with Argentina scoring all theirs. For the match point, Maxi Rodriguez smashed his away to send Argentina through to the final! 

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: Javier Mascherano, he made sensational, match saving tackles
Flop of the Match: Airjen Robben fails to put away a great chance when in or goal.
Possession: Netherlands 53%, Argentina 47%
Shots: Netherlands 7, Argentina 8

Argentina defence too strong and tight for Netherlands
A strong and tight Argentinian defence as Van Persie, Robben were unable to really test them.

Netherlands will now face the might challenge of Germany in the final.

After a dullish match, with late penalty drama, who do you think will win the final – Germany or Argentina?

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MORE World Cup articles are available – here’s a selection of reports and fallout from the other World Cup semi-final, and to say the least, it was a shocker.

Germany Wreck Hosts in Brazil’s Day of Devastation »

Why Germany Will Win the World Cup »

Defining Moments of Brazil’s World Cup Campaign »

Where Do Brazil Go From Here? »

Germany Personify Footballing Perfection »

Complete Coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup »

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Netherlands Derail Dreams Of Costa Rica and Book Date With Argenitina

The Dutch end Costa Rica’s dream run, and book a second straight World Cup semifinal spot.

BY @ROCKBOTTOM88

NETHERLANDS 0 – 0 COSTA RICA
 (Penalties: 4 – 3)



Mexico 1 – 0 Cameroon
Oribe Peralta (62′)
Friday 13 June 2014
Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)
Estádio das Dunas, Natal
Group A, World Cup Game #2

– See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf

Netherlands 0 – 0 Costa Rica
(Penalties 4 – 3)
Saturday 5 July 2014
Kick-off: 9pm BST / 4pm ET
Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador
Quarter Final C, World Cup Game #60


Man of the Match: Keylor Navas / Arjen Robben
Flop of the Match: Robin Van Persie
Possession: Netherlands 67% – 33% Costa Rica
Shots: Netherlands 20 – 6 Costa Rica

In the last semifinal match, European powerhouse Holland took on massive underdogs and fighters, Costa Rica. 

The first half of the match was mostly balanced, as both teams had their chances at goal, but favorites Netherlands became more commanding as time went by. They had several great shots and opportunities, but Costa Rican goalkeeper dealt with them impressively. The La Liga star has been the hero for Costa Rica’s Cinderella campaign, and he certainly didn’t let them down here either.

The same story followed in the second half with the sides balanced, and the Netherlands trying to break down Costa Rica’s organized defense and Navas between the post, but a goal just didn’t come. The match headed into extra time to many surprises, but not shock, considering Costa Rica’s fighting campaign. 

Despite Netherland’s massively dominant possession stat, a goal didn’t come in extra time either. Great chances at both ends saw both keepers make huge saves to keep their sides in it, and the match was headed for a penalty shootout. Right before the whistle of extra time, Hollands manager Louis Van Gaal opted out and replaced starting goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen for the slightly more experienced, Tim Krul. Krul made two great saves, and overall, was well positioned for all saves to book the Netherland’s second straight World Cup semifinal spot.

It was a heartbreak for Costa Rica who truly put in a shocking and amazing World Cup campaign. They can exit with their heads held high. As for the Dutch, they face Lionel Messi and Argentina up next, as their dream for World Cup glory continues.

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Netherlands Great Escape Sees Them Through

Giovani dos Santos’ thunderous strike was not enough to help Mexico shock Netherlands and reach the last eight as a late escape from Holland capped off a captivating encounter.


BY WAQAR HUSSAIN

NETHERLANDS 2 – 1 MEXICO

Klaas Jan Huntelaar euphoric as Netherlands thwart Mexico GETTY IMAGES

Mexico 1 – 0 Cameroon
Oribe Peralta (62′)
Friday 13 June 2014
Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)
Estádio das Dunas, Natal
Group A, World Cup Game #2

– See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf

Netherlands 2 – 1 Mexico
Giovani (48′) Sneijder (88′) Huntelaar (94′)
Sunday 29 June 2014
Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)
Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza
Round of 16, World Cup Game #51

Netherlands were heavily tipped to be the winners at the end of the match, while Mexico were hoping for a giant killing in a boiling hot Fortaleza.

The North American side were the brighter starters, while Netherlands dawdled in the heat, Layun twice shot off target and sent in a teasing cross which couldn’t find a man. The impressive Hector Herrera also shot just wide when he was afforded too much time and space by the Dutch defence. 

Netherlands appeared to grow into the game, as Kuyt’s cross was headed weakly at Ochoa by Wijnaldum. Veteran Carlos Salcido then tested Jasper Cilessen with a shot that was too hot to handle and Robin van Persie scuffed his lines at the other end after great close control. Oribe Peralta also shoot low at the keeper before we saw the first ever official FIFA Cooling Break to help revitalise both the players and the officials in the scorching temperatures. 

The final action of the first half saw Giovani Dos Santos fire straight at the goalkeeper as the Mexicans took control again.

The second half started as the first had ended, Giovani this time holding off a crowd of Dutch defenders to rifle in to the bottom corner from 25 yards out. Mexico were not done yet though, as Rafa Marquez and Peralta went close. 

We then saw arguably the save of the tournament, as Guillerme Ochoa superbly blocked Stefan de Vrij’s shot from point blank range. Wesley Sneijder’s miserable tournament continued, as he twice wasted good opportunities and Arjen Robben’s blast was saved superbly by the mercurial Ochoa. 

We saw another FIFA Cooling Break before Klaas Jan Huntelaar replaced a frustrated Robin van Persie and Carlos Salcido fired over for Mexico. The Dutch were pressing heavily but still inevitable to the counter attack with little over 10 minutes left. Ochoa then produced another unbelievable save to keep the Dutch onslaught at bay.

Wesley Sneijder, subject of another abject performance, silenced his critics and forced extra time with a thunderbolt into the corner from 18 yards out after a clearance fell to him. 

Moments later, 90 seconds into the 6 minutes of stoppage time, Rafa Marquez commited footballing suicide as he brought down a vibrant Arjen Robben after he had jinked away from a pair of defenders. 

Did Robben dive?



So then, Huntelaar vs Ochoa for the match. The Schalke striker coolly striking home to send Ochoa the wrong way and Netherlands into delirium following a thrilling finish to a greatly entertaining match.

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: Guillerme Ochoa
Flop of the Match: Robin van Persie
Possession: Netherlands 54%  Mexico 46%
Shots: Netherlands 14  Mexico 12

Key Headline: Dutch Recreate Man United Miracle Of ’99

We saw perhaps the most thrilling game of the tournament yet, as a resilient and energetic Mexico side ended up unlucky against a powerful Netherlands side that was ultimately too good.

Netherlands now have a favourable draw against either Costa Rica or Greece to reach the semi finals of the tournament, something very few would have seen prior to the tournament.

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Depay And Fer Header Ensures Netherlands Are Top Dogs

Goals from Memphis Depay and Leroy Fer were enough to see Holland past a resilient Chile Side to top Group B.

BY WAQAR HUSSAIN

CHILE 0 – 2 NETHERLANDS


Georginio Wijnaldum of the Netherlands misses a chance against Chile

Mexico 1 – 0 Cameroon
Oribe Peralta (62′)
Friday 13 June 2014
Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)
Estádio das Dunas, Natal
Group A, World Cup Game #2

– See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf

Chile 0-2 Netherlands
Leroy Fer (77′), Memphis Depay (91′)
Monday 23 June 2014
Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)
Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo
Group B, World Cup Game #34

The match was the one that would decide to which side Group B belonged to both sides had won against Australia and Spain in the previous matches.

Chile began the match as the brighter of the two, Vargas and Aranguiz hitting over before Aranguiz was hacked down by Daley Blind. Holland grew into the match, a Robben free kick finding the head of Stefan de Vrij who directed the header wide. The Netherlands talisman Robben was at it again moments later, as he blitzed past the entire Chilean midfield from his own half into the opposite penalty area to cut inside Gary Medel and fire wide of the far post.

Straight from the restart after half time, substitute Wijnaldum headed just wide from 7 yards out and a low shot tested Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. Into the last 20 minutes of the match, both Dirk Kuyt and Stefan de Vrij steered headers off target and Memphis Depay struck the ball well to force Bravo into a spectacular save. The deadlock was broken moments later, as Janmaat’s teasing cross was headed in by Norwich man Leroy Fer in the 77th minute.

Chile had several penalty appeals in the next 10 minutes before a classy run from Arjen Robben ended with a cross to substitute Depay to tap in and seal the win.

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: Ron Vlaar
Flop of the Match: Gary Medel
Possession: Chile 68% – 32% Netherlands
Shots: Chile 8 – 13 Netherlands

Dutch Steal The Show Through Robben, Fer And Depay

Resilient Chile Unable To Hold Out

With Chile now expected to face Brazil in the second round, it is a match which I will be expecting to be one of the shows of the tournament.

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Van Persie, Robben On Target Again as Netherlands Shut Out Aussies in Epic Clash

Netherlands went to touching range of second round qualification after a late goal from Depay put them up for good against an inspired Australian effort.

BY @IMWITHLESNARWWE

AUSTRALIA 2 – 3 NETHERLANDS

van Persie celebrates scoring in the phenomenal game

Mexico 1 – 0 Cameroon
Oribe Peralta (62′)
Friday 13 June 2014
Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)
Estádio das Dunas, Natal
Group A, World Cup Game #2

– See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf

Australia 2 – 3 Netherlands
Arjen Robben (20′), Tim Cahill (21′), Mile Jedinak (Penalty, 54′), Robin van Persie (58′), Memphis Depay (68′)
Wednesday 18 June 2014
5pm BST (UK time)
Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre
Group B, World Cup Game #18


Netherlands hold on after late goal from Depay to top group B and guarantee their place in the last 16 of the Brazil Fifa World Cup 2014, but it wasn’t an easy task.


After Robben scored on the 21 minute mark, 40 seconds later Tim Cahill scored a sublime vollied finish with the outside of his boot on the laces, Robben scored a classic goal into the bottom corner, how simple could it be.

In the second half things went up hill for Australia with a sweetly finished penalty from Jedinak, shortly after Van Persie struck into the top of the net, shortly after to seal the 3-2 Holland win Depay scored a bouncing effort, that deflected of the Socceroos keepers gloves into the bottom corner, to grab all 3 points for Holland that takes them onto 6 points in Group B and keep Spain last in the Group.

Simply an incredible game.

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Dutch Masterclass Destroys World Champions in Salvador

A Dutch masterclass tore apart the European and World champions in Salvador as goals from Robin van Persie, Stefan de Vrij and Arjen Robben sealed an emphatic win for Oranje.

BY WAQAR HUSSAIN
Simply unbelievable.

Mexico 1 – 0 Cameroon
Oribe Peralta (62′)
Friday 13 June 2014
Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)
Estádio das Dunas, Natal
Group A, World Cup Game #2

– See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf

Spain 1 – 5 Netherlands
Xabi Alonso (penalty 27′), Robin van Persie (44′ & 72′), Arjen Robben (53′ & 80′), Stefan de Vrij (64′)
Friday 13 June 2014
Kick-off: 8pm BST (UK time)
Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador
Group B, World Cup Game #3


The match was expected to be a tight affair, just like the final four years ago in Soccer City. However, after the first half, it was anything but.

There were early warning signs as Arjen Robben slipped a pass through for Wesley Sneijder after eight minutes who shot straight at Iker Casillas. Then Spain took control of the game as Andres Iniesta and Diego Costa both blazed off target. In the 27th minute, Xavi passed through the Netherlands defence to Diego Costa, who was adjudged to be fouled by Stefan de Vrij. Replays showed, however, that the striker trod on the defenders leg. Xabi Alonso stepped up to calmly slot past an otherwise impressive Cilessen, becoming the first Real Madrid player to score in the World Cup for Spain since 2006 in the process.

Nigel De Jong and David Silva both had decent efforts saved at either end before the goal of the tournament so far took place. The ball was picked up by Dutch left back Daley Blind on the halfway line, who threaded a 45 yard inch perfect cross to Robin Van Persie, the skipper superbly lobbing Casillas with his head from 16 yards out, an incredible goal.

Andres Iniesta started the second half by testing a busy Cilessen before Arjen Robben superbly controlled a lobbed through pass and twisted inside Gerard Pique to smash into the net. A minute later, Chelsea striker Diego Costa was very lucky to have his headbutt on Bruno Martins Indi go unseen by the referee. Robin van Persie then struck the crossbar with a sublime weak foot volley in the 60th minute. Spain ringed the changes, bringing on Fernando Torres and Pedro Rodriguez for Diego Costa and scorer Alonso. The Dutch replaced the already booked Jonathan de Guzman with Wijnaldum. 

The Netherlands then extended their lead when Stefan de Vrij headed in at the back post from a Wesley Sneijder free kick. Moments later, Spain had the ball in the net but David Silva was offside when he tapped in. Robin van Persie was hungry for a second goal of the night, and tested Casillas in the 69th minute before Casillas inexplicably miscontrolled a backpass to a rampaging van Persie, who poked in from in the area to seal Spain’s fate. Arjen Robben then put the icing on the cake in the 80th minute when he beat Raos for sheer pace to latch on to a pass and round an embarrased and desperate Casillas to grab his second of the tournament. Robben could have had a hat-trick when he exquisetly blasted a goal bound volley from 25 yards out which Casillas saved in the 87th minute.

To rub salt in the wounds for Spain, a distracted and depressed Fernando Torres miskicked an open chance with the net at his mercy from a yard out in the closing stages.

Match Breakdown 

Possession: Spain 64% Netherlands 36%
Shots: Spain 10, Netherlands 14

Man of the Match – Arjen Robben
Flop of the Match – Iker Casillas
Spain Defence a Real Worry for Del Bosque
Can Holland Go All The Way This Time

Possession: Mexico 62%, Cameroon 38%
Shots: Mexico 9, Cameroon 13
Stalemate first half: Flat first half, Mexico coming closest to breaking the deadlock.
Dos Santos misery: Giovani Dos Santos’s disallowed goals misery was secured by late Peralta strike.

– See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf

Personal Verdict: “This is the best football match I have seen in months. I absolutely loved it and was priveleged to be chosen to report on this game, Let’s hope for many more like this. Over to to you England.” 

This Group B opener sees Netherlands to the top of the table while Spain are rock bottom with a horrible -4 goal difference.

If Netherlands and other underdogs keep providing us with such treats, this will be the greatest World Cup of recent memory.

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