FIFA World Cup 2010 Recap: Brazil and Netherlands Provide Classy Performances

Brazil and The Netherlands set up a mouthwatering quarterfinals encounter after easily disposing of Chile and Slovakia, respectively.

Brazil 3-0 Chile (Match Grade: B+)

While the scoreline could easily have read Brazil 6, Chile 2, this was a controlled performance by the 2002 World Champions. They were excellent on a night that never really saw the Ferrari that is Brazilian football get out of third gear.

Having said that, third gear was pretty bloody good. Unlike a lot of countries, it was a pleasure to see Dunga's team all work for each other, closing down their never-say-die Chilean counterparts at any opportunity. Robinho, Luis Fabiano and Juan put themselves on the scoresheet, and Robinho was definitely the pick of the players.

As for Chile, it is sad to say goodbye to one of the World Cup's more entertaining teams. Thanks for the memories, and hopefully you'll come to the party in Brazil in 2014 and bring a good defence with you.

Netherlands 2-1 Slovakia (Match Grade: C+)

Speaking of good teams never really revealing how good they really are, the Dutch managed four straight wins in this World Cup without really impressing anybody.

Strangely enough, with the likes of Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Mark Van Bommel, Dirk Kuyt and possibly one of the most gifted—if often injured—players in football in Robin Van Persie, it's on paper an extremely exciting team to watch.

But unfortunately, that's where the drooling stops. Sure, Holland passed the ball well and created some chances against Slovakia. But shouldn't they be converting more?

They'll be needing be play excitingly if they are to beat Brazil on Friday.

I couldn't stop thinking about this goal today. Let's hope there's something as good on Friday, eh?