Matt Culp Reports: Netherlands vs Slovakia

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Matt Culp, GoLocalProv Sports Contributor

Netherlands vs Slovakia:

Fans

It was game day again in Durban and I thought the orange clad Dutch fans would be swarming, but I was a bit disappointed. The Brazil vs. Portugal match had a much better atmosphere leading up to the game. Would the actual game be any different? I didn’t have any orange to wear but went with the popular yellow South African jersey to fit in with the locals. I was impressed by the creativity of some of the Dutch costumes.

Through two games we had not seen a goal, but we were guaranteed at least one today. Our seats were not as good as the Portugal/Brazil game but we had a great view of the field in this impressive stadium. Once again the vuvuzelas were loud and even obnoxious to a point. It’s a sound that will be ringing in my ears for weeks to come.

Holland struck first with a great individual effort from Robben but as the play went on I wasn’t that impressed with either team. I did think the Netherlands did a good job at smothering the Slovakia attack and the underdogs couldn’t get into any kind of rhythm. The Dutch scored again in the second half as the result of a mistake by the Slovakia back line. The orange army finally dashed the dreams of this young team and nation. Slovakia was awarded a PK at the end of the match but it was too little too late. The Netherlands will face Brazil in the quarterfinals. I think they will need to give a better effort to get by a world cup favorite.

My time in South Africa is coming to an end. Soon I will be on my way back to Providence. Stay tuned for my trip recap of South Africa and other updates from the World Cup 2010.

Stadium

Other World Cup Recaps:

Germany embarrasses England with a devastating counterattack but the game will be remembered for a controversial no call. Would Lampard’s disallowed goal have changed the momentum of the match in England’s favor? I’m not so sure.

Argentina continues their conquest for the cup by dismantling Mexico. However, another controversial call may have marred the match. Tevez seemed to have been offside but his second goal was world class. Argentina and Germany will now meet in a not to be missed match up.

Brazil continues to dazzle as they thump Chile 3-0 but it is their defense that will carry them to the final. The Dutch now stand in their way for the quarterfinals.