2010 FIFA World Cup: Netherlands and Spain Now on a Crash Course for Gold?

Unless an inexplicable upset occurs, the Netherlands will have the opportunity to play for their very first World Cup on July 11th.

With the defeat of a No. 1 ranked Brazil team that looked to be in control during the first half, the Orange have done what many felt was impossible. When the brackets for the knockout stage were arranged, many felt Brazil's appearance in the finals was a foregone conclusion.

But in a game in which every goal was scored on a mental lapse, Brazil was sent home. They will now be forced to think about their disappointing performance for four years, until they host the World Cup in 2014.

The victory by the Dutch may very well set up a World Cup final between the two finest footballing countries to never win a World Cup: the Netherlands and Spain.

Spain's path to the championship game is not nearly as rosy however—they must defeat the winner of the Argentina-Germany game in order to get there. Regardless, with Brazil out of the tournament, based on talent alone, Spain is likely now the favorite to win the World Cup.

Such a game is likely the most appealing match up that the remainder of the knockout phase could produce.

Following Wesley Sneijder's goal of a corner for the Netherlands in the 68th minute, there was little reason to count Brazil out of the contest. They had produced more chances throughout the contest than their opposition, and during the first half it was clear that they were the side with more skill. But following Felipe Melo's inexplicable stomping of Dutch midfielder Arjen Robben, Brazil's comeback bid became much less likely.

Although they did secure some chances, the real surprise of the last 20 minutes of the match was the failure of the Dutch side to score a third goal, and put all doubts aside as to the final outcome of the match.

Brazil will have their chance to shine in four years at home, where it's hard to imagine they won't be overwhelming favorites.

For the time being, the Dutch victory was good for the World Cup, not only because it was by far the best match of the tournament between two large footballing nations, but because it sets up a possible match up between two countries that, surprisingly, have never tasted victory in the World Cup.