Re: Official Soccer (Football) Discussion Thread
Posted this on another forum just before:
Brazil played arrogantly. That was their main problem. Their defense was amazingly lackluster, even with the usually reliable Lucio. Needless fouls, especially by Bastos, just increased the problems. Once they were able to get level, Brazil looked shocked, and they still didn't tighten up in defense. The marking on the second goal was poor, very poor. Julio Cesar is the one player I feel sorry for, although the first goal was his mistake to go for the ball, the Brazilian defense could have helped him out more.
However, the Netherlands played fantastically. After the early period of domination by Brazil, Kuyt in particular impressed, especially his defensive efforts to keep the ball in the area, as well as his hard work when on the ball. I believe he had a part to play in both of the goals. Robben and Sneijder were influential as always, and created space and movement for Kuyt and Van Persie to run into and attempt to score. Very happy with the outcome.
Btw, replay of South Korea/Uruguay has just come on. Uruguay have possibly the greatest national anthem ever.