Durban - The Netherlands came from behind to crush Brazil's dream to hoist the World Cup for a record sixth time.
A courageous Dutch side defeated ten-man Brazil to reach the final four of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
It was a highly emotive match, kicking off with fiery exchange between Robinho and Nigel De Jong in the early minutes.
The highly charged Brazilians then tore through the Dutch defence and provided Robinho with an early opportunity at goal in the tenth minute after his first goal was disallowed.
The Dutch defence was severely tested in the absence of Joris Mathijsen who picked up an injury during warm-up and was replaced with Andre Ooijer.
The second half was filled with non-stop action with the Dutch getting onto the scoreboard in the 53rd minute.
There was a rare mistake in Brazil's defence as Felipe Melo headed Wesley Sneijder's cross into their own goalpost.
With 22 minutes remaining, Sneijder scored his third goal at this World Cup which was enough to see the Dutch through to the final whistle.
The Japanese referee had a testing time in both halves, handing yellow cards to Dutch defender John Heitinga and Brazilian defender Michel Bastos in the first half.
Melo's woes continued with a red card for stamping on Arjen Robben in the second half.
Defenders Gregory van der Wiel and De Jong were also cautioned and will miss the next match.
This was the fifth straight win for the Netherlands who will now play the winner of the Uruguay and Ghana match that will be contested at Soccer City in Johannesburg tonight.
