Sports: Soccer: Dutch beat repeat champions Brazil, 2-1; England vs. USA: Dutch win over Brazil 2-1; FIFA World Cup 2k10, South Africa

12 hours ago, the tide turned in WordCup soccer, as the favoured Brazil sunk into ignominy, while the Dutch came shuffling into first place in the semifinals, with finals already looming.

Netherlands shocks Brazil 2-1

By ANDREW DAMPF (AP) – 12 hours ago

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa — Don't call the Dutch underachievers anymore.

Not after the way the Netherlands rallied to upset five-time champion Brazil 2-1 in the World Cup quarterfinals Friday.

After waking themselves up at halftime, the title that has eluded the Dutch for all these years is now just two wins away.

"For 45 minutes we went full throttle," said Wesley Sneijder. "We were rewarded."

One of the shortest players on the field, Sneijder put the Netherlands ahead in the 68th minute on a header — a thrill so huge he ran to a TV camera, tapped the lens and stuck his face in for a close up.

"It just slipped through from my bald head and it was a great feeling," Sneijder said.

He was in the middle of the post-game party, too, as his teammates swarmed him when the final whistle blew. John Heitinga picked up Sneijder and slung him over his shoulder as Netherlands captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst, a Brazil shirt in hand, leaped up and rubbed Sneidjer's closely shaved head.

The result was a case of role reversal for both sides.

The top-ranked team in the world and one of the most impressive squads in the tournament until Friday, Brazil lost its composure after falling behind and defender Felipe Melo was ejected in the 73rd minute for stomping on the leg of Arjen Robben.

The Dutch made the championship match in 1974 and '78, lost both, and rarely have lived up to their talent in other World Cups. They did this time, helped by an own goal off the head of unfortunate Felipe Melo that brought them into a 1-1 tie in the 53rd.

"I'm devastated. It was hard to see the players crying back there," Felipe Melo said after emerging from the locker room.

Netherlands team is 2 wins from the championship.