The Netherlands came from at the back to break Brazilian hearts and take a huge step towards a third FIFA World Cup 2010 final appearance. Trailing at half-time to Robinho's early goal in Port Elizabeth, Bert van Marwijk's men drew level through Felipe Melo's own goal previous to Wesley Sneijder headed the winner with 22 minutes remaining. Brazil finished the game a man short after Felipe Melo's dismissal as, like in Germany four years ago, the South Americans, victorious since last October, saw their dream of a sixth world crown dismantled at the quarter-final stage.
For the Dutch, this was their fifth instantly win at these finals and leaves them one victory short of a first Final appearance since they finished runners-up twice in the 1970s. They will journey to Tuesday's Cape Town semi-final against Uruguay as favourites despite the suspensions of Gregory van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong. History will also be on their side too, given the winners of their three previous FIFA World Cup meetings with Brazil marched on to the Final each time.