Fans worldwide will probably feel that Brazil's penalty shoot-out win in their semi-final with Holland in Marseilles last night was a bit disappointing, even if it was clearly a gripping, dramatic game right down to the final penalty save from Ronald De Boer by Brazilian goalkeeper Taffarel.

It was always possible that this match might not prove to be the all-entertaining spectacle of open football many had hoped for. Even though Brazil and Holland are both very good sides going forward, the prize at stake - a place in the World Cup final - was always likely to cramp both their styles with both teams as much concerned about not conceding a goal as scoring one.

The 120 minutes of play showed that both sides deserved to get to the final - Brazil because they undoubtedly created the greater chances and Holland because they showed a sophisticated possession game that eventually made the most of Brazil's all too well-known defensive weaknesses.

Both sides had their heroes on the night. Brazil's talented front men, Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Denilson, aided and abetted by left back Roberto Carlos, asked a lot of serious questions of the Dutch defence, questions to which some brilliant defensive work by Frank De Boer and Edgar Davids provided a stunning response.

You have to wonder how much both sides missed key players in the shape of right back Cafu for Brazil and winger Marc Overmars for Holland. Both players might have contributed that extra attacking edge to their sides.

Ronaldo, the world's so-called number one, emerged from this game with his reputation enhanced and not only for the slick way in which he took his goal just after half-time and for his well struck, first penalty in the shootout, but also for his overall contribution. On at least three occasions, he had the Dutch defence stretched to near breaking point with wonderful 50 yard runs.

Furthermore, when Ronaldo was sent clean through midway through the second half, only to miss what would have been the knockout punch of the second goal, I thought he was fouled by Davids and should have been awarded a penalty. To be fair to the Brazilian, though, he did not make a big fuss of the issue, but simply picked himself up and got on with the game.

One player who will probably not wish to remember last night's match was Dennis Bergkamp. After his spectacular match-winning effort against Argentina last Saturday, many of us expected him to do well in this semi-final but, sadly for Holland, he went absent without leave.

His partner in attack, Patrick Kluivert, while he missed a couple of chances, still managed to make himself a big problem for the Brazilian defence and his late equaliser in normal time was thoroughly merited.

If I had to pick out one Dutchman from last night, though, it would be Davids, who yet again gave a performance of combative quality and footballing grit that was second to none. Watching him in this World Cup, it has been easy to understand just why many critics suggest that he was a major factor in Juventus' Italian title success.

As for Brazil, they now go on to the final, perhaps to meet France in what would be an all time ideal billing for FIFA. One thing is sure and it is that, however sorry you feel for Holland, no one is going to say that Brazil do not deserve to be in the final. From the very first day of the tournament, they have looked the side with the best players, with most in reserve. Next Sunday, they will get a chance to prove the point.

(In an interview with Paddy Agnew)