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.

Experts and fans from around the world expected a closely contested match when Spain took on Portugal on Tuesday. The first hour of the match was disappointing as both teams were unable to score or play a really attacking game.

It was only towards the latter part of the game, when things got interesting. In the 63rd minute, David Villa scored yet again for Spain, when he broke through their defense and struck a shot straight at Eduardo who stopped it but the rebound went straight back at Villa, who made sure his second shot went into the back of the net.