Netherlands defeats Brazil in World Cup stunner

The Netherlands played giant killer by beating Brazil 2-1 in a quarterfinals clincher. Five-time champion Brazil has been eliminated from the World Cup, three days after Portugal's surprising early exit.

It was the match result few expected: the Dutch football squad triumphed over Brazil in a nail-biter quarterfinals game, sending home the World Cup favourite. The South Americans were unbeaten since last October. For the Dutch this was their fifth straight win at these World Cup playoffs and leaves them one victory short of a first Final game appearance since they finished runners-up twice in 1974 and 1978. Tied 1-1 with 22 minutes remaining, Wesley Sneijder headed in the winner after a strong corner kick. He was named the Man of the Match, with four shots on goal and 30 completed passes. The match began in Brazil's favour. Nine minutes into the first half, Felipe Melo passed the ball through the centre of the Dutch defence from the halfway line. Robinho, called onside by Ooijer, was in the clear and he scored to draw first blood. Then came Brazil's calamitous error. Following a free-kick with Robben, Sneijder swung in a cross from out on the right. Brazilian players Julio Cesar and Felipe Melo got in each other’s way with the midfielder unwittingly flicking the ball on into the net. Yes, Melo scored on his own net. The Netherlands will play either Ghana or Uruguay in the semi-finals. Those two squads face off today at 2:30 p.m. ET.