World Cup: Dutch touch not up to much, but Netherlands could surprise Brazil, says Clarence Seedorf

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The Netherlands went unbeaten in World Cup qualifying and is unbeaten at South Africa 2010, but one former Dutch star is not overly impressed.

‘Having watched all their games in this tournament, I don’t think they have actually been playing that well,’ midfielder Clarence Seedorf told the BBC. ‘They have done exactly what they have needed to do, nothing more.’

Still, if the defense can hold firm and if the offense can continue coming up with goals, the Dutch have a chance to surprise Brazil when the teams face each other in Friday’s quarterfinal game in Port Elizabeth.

‘Brazil have got five stars on their shirt for a reason,’ Seedorf said. ‘They have won the tournament five times. They know what it takes to win. You always have to beat the best at some point to win a World Cup. That test comes now for the Dutch.

‘If they can spring a surprise on Friday, then the tournament really opens up for them, with either Ghana or Uruguay awaiting in the semifinals. But first things first, they need to beat Brazil.’

-- Grahame L. Jones in Cape Town, South Africa