Should the group stages of this year’s World Cup in South Africa go to form, two of the favourites, Brazil and the Netherlands, could meet at the quarter final stage. If this is the case, many neutral fans will hope that it emulates the 1994 World Cup Quarter Final when these two teams locked horns.

Brazil entered the 1994 World Cup Finals in the US as favourites to claim a record fourth victory in the tournament. However, in comparison to the attacking, entertaining teams that took to the world stage in 1970 and 1982, Carlos Alberto Perreira’s (currently manager of South Africa) squad in 1994 displayed a more efficient and physical style than in the past, perhaps wary of the failure of the the ‘dream team’ of 1982 and further disappointments in 1986 and 1990.

The Brazilians did however boast two fantastic strikers in Romario and Bebeto and progressed smoothly to the Quarter Finals to face a Dutch side spearheaded by Dennis Bergkamp. The Netherlands, without both Marco Van Basten and Ruud Gullit, had made hard work of progressing from their group, having lost to neighbours Belgium in the process, but were still much fancied to make a strong challenge to reach the latter stages of the tournament.

The match

Dennis Bergkamp produced a fantastic attacking display for the Netherlands, perhaps helping to fill the void left by Van Basten’s absence. Brazil’s attacking line was also in great form and Bebeto’s goal celebration has been emulated many an occasion since. A scintillating second half, produced five goals, of which the winner should be rated as one of the great free kicks to be scored in the finals.

Apologies for the American commentary and advertising that goes with!

Highlights – The Netherlands v Brazil