this match was a semifinal in all but name with the winner being assured a place in the final, although the netherlands could advance with a draw and a germany draw or loss. italy started the positive and scored when ernie brandts in an attempt to stop roberto bettega only succeeded in putting the ball into his own net. the goal would have consequences for the netherlands as piet schrijvers was injured on the play and had to be stretchered off for jan jongbloed. italy dominated the remainder of the first half. in a physical match johnny rep was cautioned for fouling romeo benetti, who was latter to pick up a yellow card himself for fouling rensenbrink, meaning the italian defender would miss the match should italy reach it. early in the second half arie haan was cautioned for a challenge on marco tardelli who later also picked up a yellow card meaning he too would miss italy's next match. some felt that antonio cabrini's challenge on haan many felt warranted a red card, not just a yellow. shortly after half time brandts, who earlier scored an own goal blasted home a shot to equalizes. than fourteen minutes from time haan hit an audacious shot 30 yards out that went off zoff's left post an into the net.