JOHANNESBURG — Thirty minutes had passed Monday and Brazil looked ordinary. The improvisation, style and interplay, hallmarks of the Brazilian way, were missing from Brazil’s World Cup round-of-16 match against Chile.
But all it takes for the Selecao to alter a match is a moment of brilliance, a devilish touch or an exquisite run. The rising actually began in simple form with Juan’s header off a corner kick. The artistry followed.
Luis Fabiano capped a lovely sequence for his third goal of the tournament, and when Robinho applied the finishing touches to Ramires’ sweet run early in the second half, the five-time champions were on their way to a 3-0 victory over Chile and a quarterfinal berth against the Netherlands on Friday in Port Elizabeth.
The Brazilians, among the favorites, and the Dutch, unbeaten in four matches, will meet in the knockout stage for the third time in five World Cups.
“Some people doubted that we would perform, but as we go along, that confidence is growing and growing,” Brazil coach Dunga said.
Chile, which has yielded 29 goals in eight consecutive losses to its South American rival, was assertive and competent for more than 30 minutes. Before long, though, Brazil began to assert itself, even without starting midfielders Elano and Felipe Melo (ankle injuries).
Despite two starting defenders serving suspensions, Chile survived the first half-hour. Individually, Brazil dazzled. Collectively, Brazil lacked cohesion and understanding.
In the 35th minute, after Ramires’ gorgeous through ball to Maicon led to a corner kick, Brazil punctured the deadlock. Juan slipped from his mark and rose to head Maicon’s service over goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. Three minutes later, Brazil struck again on a rapid counter. Kaka won a header in midfield, directing it wide to Robinho, who settled the ball on the left flank, cut inside and squared it back to Kaka.
Fabiano timed his run perfectly, staying even with the line of defense as Kaka one- touched the ball into the box. Bravo charged, but Fabiano nimbly dodged him and tucked the shot into a vacant net.
Netherlands 2, Slovakia 1
DURBAN, South Africa — The Netherlands reached the final eight when standouts Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder scored in each half.
The Oranje, who have never won soccer’s biggest prize, went ahead in the 18th minute when Robben cut inside from the right wing and found the net with a low, precise shot from 20 yards. Sneijder doubled the lead into an empty net in the 84th after a gamble by Slovakian goalkeeper Jan Mucha backfired.
Denver Post wire services
