The seismic shock of Brazil’s elimination from the 2010 FIFA World Cup was still reverberating when Africa and much of the rest of the world subsided into tears at Ghana’s dramatic exit.

But we mustn’t forget yesterday’s victors, for they too have compelling stories.

Brazil’s conquerors, The Netherlands, have long carried a media tag as World Cup underachievers. Twice before they have been beaten finalists. The brilliant ‘total football’ squad of 1974 led by the legendary Johann Cruyff lost to hosts West Germany. Four years later, a relatively old side without Cruyff were beaten by another host team, Argentina.

In the ’80s and ’90s, gifted Dutch sides showing flair and style to match their blazing orange shirts also fell by the wayside. The approach of the Dutch in 2010 has been at variance with some of their efforts in the past. Still blessed with gifted players such as the flanker Arjen Robben, the Dutch are now also exhibiting solid pragmatism focused on denying openings for opponents.

Now, after their stunning come-from-behind triumph over five-time World Cup champions Brazil, they move forward to next week’s clash with two-time champions Uruguay bearing the weight of history and a demanding nation.

Uruguay, the country with the smallest population ever to win a World Cup, last reached the semi-finals all of 40 years ago.

For the mainly agricultural South American nation, yesterday’s experience is akin to a resurrection. For when Luis Suarez — planted on the goal line in the last seconds of extra time’s open play — punched away the ball, he blocked a certain and deciding goal. And when the referee, having shown him the obligatory red card, pointed to the penalty spot with the 30 minutes of extra time exhausted, all seemed lost.

But such is sport and life itself, that very little if anything is ever absolutely certain.

So when Asamoah Gyan, one of the stars of the World Cup, blasted his shot against the bar, Uruguay, in the process of its last metaphoric breath, grabbed the lifeline and made it tell.

Ghana, all of Africa, and much of the wider world were understandably distraught. For here was the opportunity for an African nation to reach a World Cup semis for the first time at last. And no better place to do it than on African soil. But Ghana’s national team should hold its head high. With their pace, verve and strength they represented Africa well.

And what of Brazil? For the coach, Dunga, whose pragmatic style and team selections horrified many Brazilians, this is the end — at least for now. Brazilians will feel aggrieved at their side’s exit at the quarter finals, especially since ironically, it was Dunga’s well-respected defensive system that fell apart to allow the Dutch goals. But for neutrals looking on, the legendary depth of Brazilian football was reconfirmed.

So today we look to Argentina versus Germany and Spain against Paraguay. What a feast!!