FIFA WORLD CUP 2010: Day 18 (28 June 2010)

Second Round:

HOLLAND 2 - SLOVAKIA 1

The heroics which Slovakia exerted to overcome former World Champions Italy could not be repeated against the Dutch. The singular inspiration from a certain Arjen Robben was enough to make the difference. His splendidly struck goal was a thing of beauty, and the Oranje counter-attack to produce Wesley Sneijder's clincher showed that the Dutch could also emulate the Germans. Vittek's consolation penalty, the last kick of the game, was as much as the Slovaks deserved. A showdown with Brazil, a repeat of 1994 and 1998, is one to watch. Rating: 3/5

BRAZIL 3 - CHILE 0

Brazil is back to its red hot chilli sambal best! All its three goals - from Juan, Luis Fabiano, and Robinho - illustrated pure class, and the gulf between potential champions (6 times winners this year) and pretenders. Chile, for all its exuberance and attacking know-how, were swept aside with relative ease. Can we all dream of a Brazil-Argentina final? Keeping fingers crossed. Rating: 4/5