Some random observations after the First Knockout Round:

Netherlands 2-1 Slovakia: Positive beginning from Slovakia, who play the flanks but use a more controlled build-up down the wings as opposed to getting it quickly forward like most teams utilize the wings, using more of a midfield 4-4-2 approach that morphed into a 4-2-4. It worked early on as Slovakia got better shots on goal. Arjen Robben was back for the first time this tournament to work the football version of the triangle attack with Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie. Dirk Kuyt put in some surprisingly good service into van Persie from the left flank. Solid passing by both sides but no real urgency early until Robben took a long pass from the back from Sniejder through the middle, broke down three defenders and sent a lazar shot from 20 yards to pop his cherry in this World Cup (van Persie was very instrumental on this goal; his run just to Robben’s right gave the Slovakian defense enough of a pause to cause a space for Robben to shoot). The Dutch defense was very comfortable as long as Robert Vittek was the only threat up top that was getting behind them. After the goal the Dutch became much more confident, getting much more sustained attacks in the final third. Slovakia’s approach was very two dimensional, playing the ball on their feet and not getting very aerial. The Dutch still aren’t making very effective use of the center of the field, looking to use the flanks and switch play extensively. Robben was certainly making up for lost time, taking fantastic chances on goal. On the few occasions that Slovakia built up an attack through the center they got off some good shots on the goal, where Martin Stekelenberg came up huge to save Holland’s bacon. When Eljiro Elia came on the Slovakian backline was finally stretched thin, as Dirk Kuyt took a free kick behind the Slovakian defense, kept his cool, with a deft touch sent a pass into the box for Sneijder to get on the end of and finish. Slovakia played very composed all game long, never playing with any urgency even after getting down 2 goals. Stekelenberg made of stupid foul in the box for a Slovakian penalty, which was converted by Vittek in injury time, but it was only cosmetic. Clinical win by the Dutch. Madd Props to Slovakia for playing a well-disciplined tournament for World Cup minnows.

Brazil 3-0 Chile: You knew that two attractive attacking sides were going to fly around the pitch in this fixture – neither side disappointed. Chile was going to try to use the flanks a little more than their counterparts with a more direct attack. It took until just after four minutes for Brazil to finally get out of their own half – so solid was Chile firmly in control on the attacking end early. Great ball movement by both teams as both moved the ball all over the field on the attacking ends, but you just got the sense that Brazil was slightly better at an attacking buildup than Chile. A Slightly quicker counterattack by Chile, although it lacked a certain quality and inventiveness. Chile was actually able to find space to get into going forward but Brazil did a great job of anticipation and reading of the game to get in front of Chilean passes going into space. Way too many corners allowed by Chile, which is dangerous against a team as good at them as Brazil. It finally mattered, when Juan got on the end of a great cross by Maicon and headed it home. Upon scoring, Brazil began to counter with speed. A counterattacking triumvirate of Robinho to Kaka’ to Luis Fabiano resulted in their second goal moments later. Chile lost all semblance of discipline and shape after that. It became academic after that. We all talk about the otherworldly skill of Brazil, but head coach Dunga has put together probably the biggest, tallest and most physically aggressive team the side has ever had. Chile didn’t give up, having a real go at the Brazilian end, but you knew Brazil was going to take advantage of the gaps created by Chile sending numbers forward (a score by Robinho proved that). For all Chile’s offensive flair they only scored 3 goals in four games, so clearly they are more bark than bite. Brazil is hitting on all cylinders right now – this is clearly the time of the tournament they live fore – but so is the Netherlands, so the quarterfinal between the two at the very least should be entertaining.

— daveydoug