Are Dutch the boys for Brazil?

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Brazil, without suspended Ramires and injured Elano, face the Netherlands here on Friday for the fourth time at a World Cup in what promises to be an explosive quarterfinal.

In 1994 Brazil overcame the Dutch 3-2 at the same stage of the competition before going on to win the title. Four years later in France the Oranje lost out again, 2-4 on penalties after drawing their semifinal 1-1. They first met in 1974, with the European side prevailing 2-0.
The Netherlands are in arguably better shape than they have ever been to exact revenge on their arch nemesis at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium and extend their unbeaten record in South Africa to five games.
Bert van Marwijk’s men are seeking to be crowned champions at the ninth attempt, after falling at the final hurdle twice — in 1974 and 1978.
Van Marwijk has claimed his team are the underdogs. “Brazil are a very mature and stable team. They convey a positive form of arrogance, that others cannot win. We might be the underdogs against Brazil, for the first time in this World Cup,” he said.
Holland’s previous international outings have often been marked by discord in the camp but one of the hallmarks of the 2010 squad has been its harmony.
Brazil coach Dunga, meanwhile, has the utmost respect for the Dutch. “They play their football like South Americans. Even though Brazil has beaten the Dutch twice before, every World Cup provides its own experience,” said the 1994 World Cup winning captain.
“Holland have a good tradition at the World Cup, we have to be very careful with the Dutch, they are very technically able and we have to be able to deal with that,” he added. — AFP