FIFA rates Brazil as the number 1 team in the world and they were expected to win against the Netherlands. The South Americans started strong with Robinho scoring for them in the 10th minute and giving them a 1-0 lead which they held on to during the first half.

Experts predicted that this match would go into extra time and maybe even into the dreaded penalty shoot out. Yet, with a 1-0 scoreline, Brazil appeared to have booked a place in the semi-finals.

Come the second half, Brazil went slack and the Dutch stepped up their game. Arjen Robben was repeatedly fouled during the match and early in the second half, he won a free kick. Sneijder took the free kick and put in a high left footed cross which foxed Brazil’s goalkeeper Julio Cesar and bounced off Felipe Melo.

With the score at 1-1 both teams tried to gain the lead. The Netherlands scored 15 minutes later, when Robben took a corner kick and Dirk Kuyt flicked it over his head to an unmarked Sneijder who had no problems putting the ball in to give the Dutch a 2-1 lead.

Brazil started to panic when they realized that they could actually be eliminated. The game was pretty rough throughout the match and Robben was brought down on more than one occasion.

In the 73rd minute, Felipe Melo lost it and stomped Robben in anger which caused the referee to give him a red card and send him off. Brazil down to 10 men, were unable to push forward and get the equalizer.

Kaka who was expected to be one of the biggest stars of this world cup was disappointing yet again. He has not scored a single goal during this world cup and his form has been poor and that’s one of the reasons why Brazil lacked a sting in their attack.

Dunga will come under a lot of criticism with this defeat. The former world cup captain told reporters after the game that “Our players looked on this World Cup as a great opportunity to do well. We played well in the first half but we weren't able to maintain the same rhythm and level of concentration in the second half. Obviously, if you play with only 10 men against a team like Holland that makes it very difficult. We're all extremely sad and we didn't expect this!”

Out secret favourites to make the final and possibly even take the entire World Cup Championship home to The Netherlands....Oranjeboom!!