World Cup rematch ends scoreless

World Cup rematch ends scoreless

Published Jun. 4, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

Brazil and the Netherlands played to a scoreless draw in a friendly in this central Brazilian city on Saturday.

After a sluggish first half in which Brazil seldom penetrated the tight Dutch defense, the home side appeared energized in the second spell, but its chances mainly ended in the safe arms of Dutch goalkeeper Tim Krul.

The Netherlands often took the attack into Brazil territory and forced some brilliant saves by Julio Cesar before 30,000 people at Serra Dourada Stadium.

The match was the first between the pair since the Dutch eliminated Brazil in the World Cup quarterfinals last year.

ADVERTISEMENT

On Tuesday, Brazil will meet Romania in a friendly in Sao Paulo. That match will mark the farewell for former Brazil star Ronaldo, who retired from football this year. He is expected to play only a few minutes before being honored at halftime.

The Dutch and Romania games are serving as a preparation by Brazil for its Copa America title defense in July in Argentina.

Brazil coach Mano Menezes has said he will pick his final squad for the South American championship after the match against Romania.

---

Lineups:

Brazil: Julio Cesar, Daniel Alves, Lucio, Thiago Silva, Andre Santos (Adriano), Lucas Leiva (Sandro), Ramires, Elano (Lucas), Robinho (Elias), Fred (Leandro Damiao), Neymar.

Netherlands: Tim Krul, Gregory van der Wiel (Khalid Boulahrouz), John Heitinga, Joris Mathijsen, Erik Pieters, Nigel de Jong (Hedwige Maduro), Kevin Strootman, Dirk Kuyt (Eljero Elia ), Ibrahim Afellay, Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie (Klaas Jan Huntelaar).

 

share