The Netherlands vs Brazil

[Ryan Scott]

The first World Cup quarterfinal is starting as I type. These two squads are among the favorites to win the whole thing, so a meeting at this stage is pretty incredible. The Dutch are down one defender - we'll see if that affects play.

As much as I love to watch Brazil play, the Dutch play a beautiful game as well - plus they've never taken home the Cup. I'll be rooting for them.

[Ryan Scott]

The replacement defender gave up a goal in the 10th minute. Not a great way for Holland to begin.

[Ryan Scott]

Sneijder equalizes - now we have a match!

[Shea Zellweger]

I'm feeling the Netherlands in this one, but any number of flukey things could happen in the next 38 minutes.

[Shea Zellweger]

2-1 NED, Sneijder scores again (and will probably be credited for this one at that).

[Ryan Scott]

Brazil is down a goal and a man with five minutes left.

[Shea Zellweger]

And it's another win for the Orange.

[Ryan Scott]

Now there are no excuses for not making the Final. They will be the favorites in the semi-final, even without two players off on yellow cards.

[Hans Deventer]

Now there are no excuses for not making the Final. They will be the favorites in the semi-final, even without two players off on yellow cards.

Well, if they can keep in mind that any team that reaches the semi-finals is a good team, even if it is not Brazil.

It's interesting. So far, the Dutch (that's the feeling here) haven't played too well, but they have won every game so far. The first half wasn't good either but the second half got closer to what we like to see them do. So perhaps they finally are getting into the groove.

[Ryan Scott]

Argentina and Holland are the two teams so far that have won every game. That would be a worthy final.

[Ian Gentles]

I think Netherlands will win this world cup, I hope they do.

[Ryan Scott]

I think Netherlands will win this world cup, I hope they do.


They're not going to want any part of this Ghana team playing right now. Wow; impressive football. Penalties after a penalty miss in the 122nd minute.

After a relatively tame Cup thus far, there have been two exciting Quartfinals matches. I hope tomorrow brings more of the same.

[Hans Deventer]

Argentina and Holland are the two teams so far that have won every game. That would be a worthy final.

Yes. That would be a great final. I'm hoping for that one.

[Hans Deventer]

Good commentary: http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/sports/2010/07/02/pinto.wc.dutch.beat.brazil.cnn

[Roland Hearn]

I hereby dedicate myself to rising at 4:30 AM on Wednesday morning to watch the first complete soccer match of my life. I shall cheer for the orange team of course.

[Roland Hearn]

Hans,
How big would the final be in the Netherlands, not just if the Netherlands makes it but, if they are playing Germany - and then win? Would they declare a national holiday?