Brazil and Holland cruise easily to quarterfinal showdown

Both Brazil and Holland cruised to wins in the round fo 16 matches setting up a much anticipated showdown in the quarterfinals.  Holland welcomed Arjen Robben back to the lineup and he promptly announced his arrival with a nice goal after only 19 minutes of play.  On the goal Robben cut inside onto his strong left foot firing low into the net from 20 yards out.  Holland controlled the match and put the nail in the coffin in the 82nd minute as Dirk Kuyt slid a nice pass to Wesley Sneijder who expertly finished.  Slovakia earned a penalty kick at the death but it was all they could muster in the 2-1 loss.

Brazil made easy work of an overmatched Chile squad in the other game on Monday.  Chile had both centerbacks suspended for the game and it showed as the skillful Brazilians weaved in and out.  Brazil blew the game open with two quick goals late in the opening half as Juan scored a nice header off a set piece and Luis Fabiano scored 4 minutes later as he rounded the keeper and passed into the empty net.

The second half was more Brazil as Robinho finished off the match with a goal in the 59th minute.  Ramires made a  long run through the Chile midfield before laying the ball off to Robinho who struck a perfect first time shot.  This sets up a Holland - Brazil rematch and one can only hope it is as good as their quarterfinal clash in the 1994 World Cup in Dallas, Texas which Brazil won dramatically 3-2.