2010 FIFA World Cup Round Of 16 Recap: Brazil, Netherlands Advance On Day Three

Clockwork Orange Keeps Ticking Over

Holland   2-1   Slovakia

Holland's World Cup has been fairly low key so far. Routine yet hard fought group stage victories were followed up by another such win against Slovakia on Monday afternoon.

Goals from the returning Arjen Robben and the diminutive Wesley Sneijder were enough to see the Oranje through to the team's first quarterfinal since meeting Brazil in 1994. Once again, however, the performance wasn't totally convincing.

The Slovaks created a number of openings for themselves in the second half that forced Maarten Stekelenburg to finally prove his worth as the new Dutch number one. If the Eastern Europeans had kept their concentration, Holland's second goal may never have come and their last minute consolation may not have been in vain.

That would have been a misleading scoreline, however. Robben's presence clearly caused problems for the Slovaks, and the Dutch created a host of chances, particularly early in the second half.

Their failure to find a second goal could have cost them, as their opponents finally began to get a foothold in the game. But Martin Skrtel's lapse in concentration allowed Dirk Kuyt to set up Sneijder for a tap in. Skrtel was arguing with the referee as Holland took a quick free kick.

Robert Vittek scored his fourth World Cup goal with the final kick of the game, but it was too late to launch a comeback.

Overall, it has been a successful first World Cup for the Slovaks. They were delighted to beat Italy to reach the second round in the first place. Anything after that would have been a bonus. 

Holland will need to raise their game if they're to overcome this Brazil team. Confidence will be high after 12 consecutive competitive victories, but Brazil offer a totally new proposition.

They possess superior defensive qualities against any side and are also ruthless going forward. Those who suggest the Dutch will finally play a team as open as themselves may be mistaken come Friday afternoon.

Netherland's teams have a reputation for in-fighting, and this year now looks no different. Robin van Persie is believed to have have been angered by his substitution. The Arsenal striker would rather his nemesis Sneijder be withdrawn and coach Bert van Marvijk was forced into calling a team meeting to discuss the matter.

With the Oranje so close to a first World Cup final since 1978, it will be a surprise if such insignificant matters will get in their way of giving the Selecao a good game on Friday.     

Brazil Finally Signal Intent

Brazil   3-0   Chile

Chile's World Cup dream came to an abrupt end in Ellis Park on Monday, as Brazil finally showed the world what they are capable of.

The Samba boys were unconvincing in the group stages, and only occasionally dazzled in topping their group. North Korea became hard to break down, Ivory Coast became an overly physical proposition and the final game with Portugal became no more than a dead rubber as both teams had already qualified.

In Johannesburg, the Brazilians showed how defensively strong they now are, as well as how ruthless and clinical they can be in attack. The attacking triumvirate of Robinho, Kaka, and Luis Fabiano all played their part in helping amass their three goal haul.

The absentees, Felipe Melo and Elano, were not overly missed as Brazil ran out comfortable winners. Once Juan and Fabiano put away two quick fire goals midway through the first half, the game was over as a contest.

Chile were without three front line players, and were clearly spent from their earlier endeavours in the group stages. Having come through one of the tournament's toughest groups and experiencing so many emotions even to reach this stage, the Chileans looked incapable of turning around any deficit against the boys in canary yellow. 

Chances were hard to come by and Brazil looked extremely comfortable both in defence and when they went forward. Chile's own expansive game plan played into the hands of the Selecao, who looked like they could score whenever they felt like doing so. 

Warning signs are there for all to see now. Holland will have their work cut out both to contain their attack and break down their Champions League winners in defence.