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QF: NETHERLANDS 2 - BRAZIL 1


The Netherlands came from behind to stun five-time champion Brazil 2-1 Friday and become the first semifinalist of the World Cup.

Wesley Sneijder scored the winner in the 68th minute with a header following a corner kick.

It was the Netherlands' first win over Brazil since the 1974 World Cup, when Johan Cruyff was the team's star and "total football" reigned.

Robinho had given Brazil the lead in the 10th, but the Netherlands equalized in the 53rd with an own goal from Felipe Melo. 

The one-goal lead wasn't enough, though, and Brazil began to unravel when Felipe Melo headed the ball into his own net in a mixup with Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar following a cross from Sneijder, who also led Inter Milan to the Champions League title in May.

Sneijder's goal followed a corner kick from Robben. Dirk Kuyt flicked the ball on with a header by the near post and Sneijder found the target from the center of the area.

It was a match of sharp contrasts for Felipe Melo, who set up the opening goal with a brilliant through pass but then was shown a direct red card in the 73rd for stepping on Netherlands winger Arjen Robben, leaving Brazil with 10 men.


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