Diminutive Sneijder finds an unusual way to score against Brazil, with 2nd headed goal

Sneijder’s rare headed goal gives Netherlands win

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa — The smallest guy on the field came through with the biggest play. And in the most unlikely of ways.

Wesley Sneijder, best known for his curling free kicks and pinpoint accurate passes, scored the game-winner on a header to give the Netherlands a 2-1 victory and stun five-time champion Brazil in the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday.

Surrounded by tall Brazil defenders, the 5-foot-7 Sneijder was somehow left unmarked to nod the ball in from close range after Dirk Kuyt flicked an Arjen Robben corner to the middle of the 6-yard box.

Sneijder said it was only the second time he’d scored on a header.

“I got one once for Ajax against Ado The Hague,” said Sneijder, who ran away smacking his forehead in joy and amazement after the goal. “I guess this is what you have a head for.”

The headed goal, Sneijder’s third score of the tournament, appeared to shock his teammates as much as it did him.

“The little bloke scored with a header,” defender Andre Ooijer said with a grin. “It just goes to show anything can happen in football.”

Sneijder almost had a second goal, too. Moments before Sneijder scored, Brazil defender Felipe Melo headed Sneijder’s curling cross into his own net. Match officials gave the Brazilian an own goal, who was later sent off to compound his misery.

But Sneijder said the goal was all his.

“If it goes in via the goalkeeper it is given to the shooter. This one just skimmed his head and went in,” said Sneijder, who still won man of the match honors. “It’s not important though. The important thing is that we won.”

After the match, John Heitinga picked up Sneijder and slung him over his shoulder as Dutch captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst, a Brazil shirt in hand, leapt and rubbed Sneijder’s closely shaved head.

Sneijder’s big day — and the Netherlands’ even bigger win — continues a spectacular turnaround for the midfielder, who was discarded by Real Madrid during the Spanish powerhouse’s spending spree last year. He moved to Inter Milan where coach Jose Mourinho gave him free range in midfield, recognizing how a match could turn on just one of Sneijder’s accurate passes.

Sneijder embraced the responsibility, and more than rewarded Mourinho’s trust.

It was Sneijder’s inch-perfect pass that set up the first of Diego Milito’s goals in Inter’s 2-0 defeat of Bayern Munich in the Champions League final. Inter also won the league and cup double in Italy.

“It has been a great season,” Sneijder said. “But I’m only going to cheer after the next two matches.”