A Brazil-Holland football match means party time in Goiânia, the thriving and sprawling city in central Brazil. Life is good, but slightly dull for its 1.3 million inhabitants, says Márcia Curvo, founder and editor of the main website for Brazilians interested in the Netherlands.

So when the announcement came that Holland would be coming, people in Goiânia were elated. Here was a great chance to watch one of the world's best teams at their Serra Dourade Stadium, and a wonderful opportunity for a big, big party.

A capacity 54,000 crowd packed the stadium, engulfing it in a noisy sea of yellow and green, with only a few tiny specks of orange and just one lonely Dutch flag. The atmosphere was exceptionally friendly with fans from both sides shaking hands and buying each other drinks.

They weren't disappointed. The crowd saw an exciting opening with solid chances for both sides. And with some mesmerising flashes of brilliance from the two playmakers: Brazil's megatalent Neymar and Barcelona's supersub Ibrahim Afellay.

Stirring second half
The noise was back after an explosive start to the second half. A magnificent through-ball reached Neymar, whose chip was miraculously saved by debuting goalkeeper Tim Krul. The 23-year-old Newcastle player rose to the occasion as Brazil created one chance after the other. “Brazil-zil-zil,” the crowd chanted. 

But Holland bounced back and after no fewer than five substitutions in the 64th minute, and two more subs 11 minutes later, the men in white regained some degree of control over the match. The final turning point came in the 79th minute when Ramires was given a red card for a foul on Robben. 

Now the Dutch went on the offensive, creating some small chances, though they were not nearly as dangerous as Brazil had been just after the break.

No sweet revenge
"Holland are a very strong team and they're admired here for their attacking style of play," Márcia says. "The Dutch certainly had their chance to win tonight, but the Seleção should have finished it off." Brazilians were betting they would take revenge for the devastating 2-1 defeat against the Dutch at last year's World Cup.

"I felt shattered too at the time," says Márcia, "but I'm always heart-broken if Brazil or Holland lose. Married to a Dutchman, I suffer from mixed feelings and mixed loyalties." Dressed in a garish orange outfit, but obviously Brazilian in appearance, she's had to explain her predicament to the local media many times.

"Orange on the outside but my blood is green and yellow. And therefore a draw is the best result for me. I would have preferred 5-5, because when many goals are scored, everyone has a great time. But I'm sure both sides can live with this score, despite the booing at the end." 

Brazil 0 - Holland 0

Goals: 0

Holland starting line-up:

1-Tim Krul; 2-Gregory van der Wiel, 3-John Heitinga, 4-Joris Mathijsen, 5-Erik Pieters; 6-Nigel de Jong; 8-Kevin Strootman; 12-Ibrahim Afellay; 11-Dirk Kuyt; 9-Robin van Persie; 7-Arjen Robben

Brazil starting line-up:

1-Julio César; 2-Daniel Alves; 3-Lúcio; 4-Thiago Silva; 6-André Santos; 8-Ramires; 5-Lucas; 10-Thiago Neves; 7-Robinho; 11-Neymar: 9-Fred