#4 Felipe Melo, Brazil vs. the Netherlands (World Cup 2010 Quarterfinals)
It’s a classic underdog against a superpower match. The Netherlands is facing Brazil, the World Cup favorite, and a five-time champion.
Photo by Ryan Pierse – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Brazil took the early lead, but the Netherlands eventually recovered, with Sneijder scoring two goals and ensuring their semifinals qualification. Brazil, now nervous and uncertain, trailed. In a moment of fury and aggravation, Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo tackled Robben, taking him to the ground. Trying to take the ball from Robben, Melo struck Robben’s thigh, earning him an instant red card in the 73rd minute, and leaving Brazil with only ten players.
Melo’s performance has widely been regarded as unsportsmanlike in his home country, and he has been let go of the Brazilian National team. While he has expressed his desire to wear the yellow and green jersey again, it is unlikely that we will see his appearance.