The Netherlands 2, Brazil 1
For the second World Cup in a row Brazil is headed home after the quarterfinals while the Netherlands continues their run towards a first ever title.
Brazil took the lead after 10 minutes when Robhino took advantage of a rebuilt Dutch defense to beat Maarten Stekelenburg. Kaka almost doubled the South American's lead in the 31st minute when his bending shot from just outside the box was headed into the top corner but Stekelenburg's acrobatic save rescued Holland's chances.
The Netherlands equalized in the 53rd minute when Wesley Sneijeder's cross deflected off Felipe Milo's head and into his own net. It was Sneijder who gave the Netherlands the lead 14 minutes later when he buried a header courtesy of a brilliant Dirk Kuyt flick on via Arjen Robben's corner kick.
The game turned ugly in the last 20 minutes with Brazilians confronting Dutch players over perceived dives. The frustration got the better of Milo, who was sent off for stamping on Robben's leg after play had been stopped.
Uruguay 1 (5), Ghana 1 (3)
In one of the most dramatic finishes of the World Cup Uruguay booked their ticket to the semi-finals at the hands of Ghana, the last African team eliminated.
Ghana got the breakthrough on the stroke of halftime when Sulley Muntari took advantage of the swerving Jubalani to score with an absolute bullet from 40 yards out. It didn't take long for Uruguay to equalize when interim-captain Diego Forlan beat Richard Kingson with a free kick on the hour mark, assist credited to the Jubalani yet again.
The game continued scoreless until added time in extra time. Ghana, who had been pressing for the final few minutes, swept a cross into Uruguay's box. Goalkeeper Fernando Muslera mis-timed his punch and Ghana had the ball cleared off the line three times, the final clearance courtesy of Luis Suarez's forearm. Suarez was immediately sent off and Asamoah Gyan had the chance to become an African hero but his spot kick clanked the crossbar and the match moved into a penalty kick shootout.
Uruguay kicked first and the first five penalties were converted. But Ghana's John Mensa's poor kick was saved by Muslera. Uruguay's Maxi Pereira then skyed his shot. But Ghana's hopes were dashed yet again on the next kick when Dominic Adiyiah was denied allowing Sebastian Abreu to score the game winner.
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I was surprised when Felipe Melo was included in Brazil’s World Cup squad and then shocked to see he was chosen as a starter by Dunga on a regular basis in South Africa. Any fan, critic or Serie A follower will note how poor Melo was last season and to make matters worse he showed lack of discipline and no respect for his own fans.
He was sent-off during last season so it does not shock me to see him sent-off but more troubling is the fact he got into a verbal exchange with the Juve fans after he came for heavy criticism by them due to his poor performance against Fulham in the Europea League.
He was at fault for both goals scored by Dutch and his red card doomed Brazil.