Netherlands and Brazil draw a friendly blank
Saturday, June 4, 2011
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Brazil 0-0 Netherlands
The hosts had the better of the exchanges but could not avenge last year's FIFA World Cup quarter-final defeat by Bert van Marwijk's men.
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Brazil 0-0 Netherlands
The Netherlands and Brazil played out a goalless friendly draw in a rematch of last summer's FIFA World Cup quarter-final between the countries.
Bert van Marwijk's men – who lead UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group E with a perfect record – were on the back foot for most of the contest in Goiania, although the Oranje did have their chances.
One of those fell in the first half to Ibrahim Afellay, who was set up by some swift counterattacking play from Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Dirk Kuyt. However, the FC Barcelona player was denied by Júlio César's legs.
After the break, Netherlands keeper Tim Krul saved from Neymar, while another attempt by the same player was cleared off the line by Erik Pieters. The Dutch survived that bout of pressure, though, and ended up holding on comfortably after Ramires was sent off for a foul on Robben.
