Dutch masters take on Brazil’s artists for semi-final place

PORT ELIZABETH - The Netherlands take on Brazil Friday in a World Cup quarter-final between two of the tournament’s most efficient teams.

The record five-time champion Brazil crushed Chile 3-0 in the Round of 16 after qualifying top of their group.

The Dutch have cruised to victory in all four of their games so far, and welcomed star forward Arjen Robben back for their 2-1 win over Slovakia in the Round of 16.

Both teams have been ruthlessly efficient so far in the tournament, firm in defence and tight in midfield rather than displaying the flair of the past.

But football purists hope that the stars will finally be unleashed in Port Elizabeth to provide this year’s first classic game.

Brazil has shored up its game with a tight defence and a hounding midfield. After an initial stutter against North Korea and a goalless draw against Portugal the formula of coach Carlos Dunga worked to perfection against Chile and the 1994 World Cup-winning captain has warned the Dutch that his team’s confidence is rising.

“We know there is always this expectation that Brazil will be the winners but being the favourite does not allow you to win the World Cup,” Dunga said.

“Some people doubted that we would perform but as we go along that confidence is growing and growing and we hope to make it to the final.”

Dunga has managed to harness the best of stars like Robinho and Kaka into an effective team strategy. But he recognized that on current form the Dutch would provide the stiffest test so far.

“Holland have a great World Cup tradition and they are very similar to the South American teams so we have to be extremely careful,” he said.

“We have to be prepared to deal with extremely technical, excellent players. They are a solid team.”

The team balance may be upset by the likely absence of midfielders Elano and Felipe Melo with ankle injuries. Ramirez, who came in for Melo against Chile, is ruled out through suspension.

Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk has painted his side as underdogs, but insists at the same time the team has a real chance to lift the trophy after some near misses in the past.

“Against Brazil, perhaps we might be the underdogs for the first time in South Africa. But we are here for one reason, to get the big prize,” he said.

“We have to believe in it. People might have laughed at us when we said we were capable of winning the World Cup. But you have to show a real mentality, a constant focus. I think we are showing that.”

Like Brazil, the Dutch team marries defensive discipline with tight defence and an effective midfield.

“Our defence has done a wonderful job so far. We have conceded just two goals,” said Van Marwijk. “In all of the matches we have played so far, we have shown that we can control a match. We have scored seven times.”

Van Marwijk also expects greater things from Robben who scored on his 70-minute return against Slovakia.

“I think he has just passed that fear factor, having recently returned from injury. It’s great news to have Robben fit.”

Former Arsenal player Gilberto Silva says that Brazil will work hard to close down the Dutch players.

“We know that if we give them space it will be very difficult for us and we could have a problem,” he said.

“It’s important to be very strong at the back and we have been,” he added. “This is the kind of balance that we need until the end of the competition.”