So Brazil are heading home and Brett Mendoza pins the blame on Felipe Melo's moments of madness.
Brazilians beached by the brilliant Orange
Some people stand in the darkness, afraid to step into the light.
Wise words indeed from the Baywatch theme tune, I'm sure you'll agree. The Brazilian's indeed didn't step into the light and now their World Cup dream is over for another four years.
A second half collapse reminiscent of the English cricket team batting, saw Brazil crash out to The Netherlands after a very poor display. It was all looking rosy at half time after a through ball from Felipe Melo sliced opened the Dutch defence and Robinho ran in to score first time to make it 1-0.
For Melo, to say his night went from sublime to ridiculous is an understatement, as he was almost single handedly responsible for Brazil's demise in the 2010 campaign. First off, a brilliant assist for Robinho's goal. Next up, a headed goal into his own net to put Holland level. And finally, sent off for stamping on Arjen Robben. What else can I say?
With that red card, Brazil were 2-1 down, a man down, and if I'm honest, never looked like getting themselves back into the Quarter Final. It was a disappointing way to go, but at least they managed to entertain on route to getting to the last eight - unlike some big name teams...
End
It has been a World Cup full of upsets and surprises, and I certainly saw Brazil's exit as a surprise. The press had been saying how well the South American teams had been doing in this World Cup and how could England learn from them, but now, after all the Quarter Finals, I think maybe the answer is a little closer to home. Three of the four Semi Finalists are from Europe!
The exit for Brazil, meant the end of Carlos Caetano Bledorn Verri (aka Dunga) as the national team coach after 4 years in charge. The Quarter final was only the second defeat in the last 2 years of his reign, which I think is a tremendous record and one that saw him pick up the Copa America and Confederations Cup.
Dunga signed off in trade mark fashion, well lack of. The big trench coat was on in the South African heat, covering his combination of brown jumper over a salmon pink shirt and green under t-shirt. The only thing worse than Dunga's dress sense was Brazil's second half performance.
As I started with Baywatch, I may as well talk about beaches, in particular, the Copacabana. It is not just a mythical place as sung by Barry Manilowe, but a haven of football that has featured heavily on Sky Sports News. A fans park was set up on the beach so thousands could watch the national team's fortunes unravel on huge screens, that to me seems to be an idyllic place to watch football - Brighton council, please take note!
The beaches will feature heavily in the next World Cup as all eyes descend upon Brazil as they host the 20th World Cup in 2014. Eight of the 12 host cities are situated on Brazil's coastline, so everyone is hoping for sunshine, sand, bikini -clad ladies and most importantly of all, sexy football.
Brazil entertained but ultimately failed. There was no improvement on the 2006 campaign where they also went out at the Quarter Final stage, but they scored nine goals in their five games, winning three and drawing one before finally losing to The Dutch. At least they have the tag of being the first team to qualify for the next World Cup! They will no doubt start as favourites too.
Review
I'll sign off with a mini summary, starting with the good, the bad and the ugly of Brazil's campaign, followed by my favourite moment of the World Cup so far. Bet you can't wait. Oooh the tension!
The Good - The coming of age of Robinho who turned from a Manchester flop into one of the stars of the World Cup show with his great array of flicks and tricks, assists and two great goals.
The Bad - Clive Tyldesley claiming Maicon's goal against North Korea was one of the great World Cup goals. It was a fluke and I am sticking by that.
The Ugly - You will probably expect me to mention Dunga's dress sense but I have gone for Keita of Ivory Coast getting Kaka sent off after getting pushed in the chest and going down clutching his face. Disgraceful!
This World Cup will probably be best remembered for the brilliant vuvuzela's and the round Jabulani ball, but my favourite moment of the whole tournament has to be the mad two minutes at the end of the Uruguay vs. Ghana game.
I got to a pub just in time (after appearing on Sky Sports during Sussex Sharks vs. Middlesex Panthers) to see Uruguay's Suarez punch the ball off the line, get sent off and Ghana smash the cross bar with the resulting penalty. This was enough to reduce a white woman, wearing a Dutch shirt, shouting 'Bafana Bafana' at the TV, to tears along with her daughter.
Thank you all for reading, it's been a pleasure doing something a little bit different. I'll see you in a few weeks when I get back to doing my day job, blogging all things Brighton & Hove Albion.
Finally, a big thanks to the wonderful Katie who has been very patient with me whilst I have been doing my research for this by watching pretty much every single one of the 60 games played so far...
So Brazil 2014, surely the home side are nailed on favourites. aren't they? Let us know what you think by filling in the feedback form below.
