Well, my apologies. This post sat in “draft” mode for a few days because I got busy. I have adjusted the publication date to be in the actual playing sequence.
Netherlands 2 – Slovakia 1
Netherlands was the better team, and although Slovakia had spirit, the outcome was never really in question. Dutch star Arjen Robben scored a pretty goal early, getting the ball in midfield, making a run up the right wing, cutting inside on the edge of the box and beating the Slovakian goalie. The Oranje pretty much controlled the game from that point forward. Slovakia came to some life early in the second half, but could not mount serious, continued pressure. The Dutch enigma Wesley Sneijder scored late to seal things. The best Slovakian in the tournament was Robert Vittek, and he scored a penalty late in stoppage time to
Brazil 3 – Chile 0
Brazil is rolling.  Although Chile was aggressive, Brazil controlled the game.  Brazil broke through on 35′ on a Juan header of a Maicon corner kick. They doubled the lead 3 minutes later from a counter-attack.  Robinho sped down the left wing, drew the defense and slipped the ball to Kaka, who fed Luis Fabiano. Chile wanted offside, but Fabiano wasn’t and the officials got it right. The irritating but talented Robinho got the third on a counter-attack to ice the game early in the second half. Chile showed some life in the last half hour, but could not break through.
Referee Note: One of my favorites, Englishman Howard Webb, officiated the Brazil/Chile match and did a nice job. He controlled the Brazilian drama, and his crew got the one controversial decision (Fabiano goal not offside) correct.
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