Today the Netherlands, also known as soccer’s most self destructive infighting specialists, came back from Brazil’s first strike to finish off the world’s number one squad 2-1.
For Brazil, Robinho (pronounced Ro-BEAN-yo, for my American pals) scored at the 10 minute mark after knocking down the receiving the end of a long pass from winger Kaká, Up the center, Holland’s defense was absent as Brazil scored in effortless fashion. A few minutes later, Kaká almost made it 2-0 with a brilliant curved ball that the Dutch keeper blocked one-handed with a lunge.
But after the half, the Netherlanders showed resolve on defense with a one-two punch on offense.
The Dutch first scored after a strike from Wesley Sneijder skidded off the head of Brazil’s defender Luis Fabiano, and then into the goal. Making it 2-1 for Holland occurred in similar style as a corner kick bounced from the head of Dirk Kuyt to the bald head of Sneijder into the back of the net.
The last few weeks has shown a Dutch side that has done well on defense, but has featured a display of uneasy strikers up front, sometimes bickering instead of scoring.
Unike America’s most favorite surprised-filled neurosis, March Madness basketball, the World Cup often has fewer surprises for the fans. Rarely, it seems, does the minnow eat the shark on the world stage.
Sure, Brazil came to the pitch today with their usual speed, excellent passing and fantastic skill. However, every once in a while, a measured and disciplined performance, like that of the Dutch today, can best the theatrics of the world’s most consistent juggernaut. But the Dutch aren't the only ones.
Wednesday saw two of the best national teams both from the same nook of Europe go at it in Capetown. At the end Spain bumped Portugal 2-1 in a long and slow battle.
Portugal hasn’t often figured into the top realm since the days of Eusébio, The Black Panther, in the late ‘60s and 70s. But in the last few years, Portugal has had its share of superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo build up the squad into a recognized force. It was with Ronaldo’s blaze that a firey Portugal scored seven against North Korea last Monday.
Yet, it’s been said by some that the people of Spain are formal and methodical in their approach to all things, and if so, this week their football showed it. The result of the match was a one goal win for Spain, after 63 minutes of knocking consistently on the goalkeeper’s door.
Spain’s goal came from the foot of David Villa from a pass from the masterful work of midfielder Xavi, who ESPN Magazine recently called the “Steve Nash of soccer”.
Holland will face either Ghana or two time cup winners Uruguay next week, with the fixture to be decided today. While, on the other side of the bracket, Spain will meet Paraguay Saturday after an epic battle between Argentina and Germany.
Stay tuned for more surprises...maybe.
No comments:
Post a Comment