Tuesday, June 29, 2010

WORLD CUP ROUNDUP: DAY 19*

A pair of not too interesting games, with predictable results.

Netherlands 2, Slovakia 1

The Slovaks didn't score until the game was beyond over (the 94th minute). It was Robert Vittek who got that goal, his 4th, which ties him for the most in the tournament. But the Dutch got a 1st half goal from Arjen Robben, and a late 2nd half score from Wesley Sneijder. The Dutch play with a flexible and adaptable style, especially up front. They're also the only undefeated European side left.

Brazil 3, Chile 0

Chile came into the Patagonian derby riding a 7 game losing streak against Brail. They've conceded 26 goals in those 7 games (3.7 per game), so allowing only 3 is below average. The Brazilians haven't played as pretty as Brazilian teams in the past, but they've gotten the same kind of result. 5th straight quarterfinals for the blue and yellow.

Brazil will meet the Netherlands in a tantalizing meeting Friday morning.