Netherlands' players celebrate victory over Brazil after their 2010 World Cup quarterfinal soccer match in Port Elizabeth. (Reuters)

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The Netherlands came from behind to upset mighty Brazil 2-1 on Friday and become the first team into the World Cup semifinals, setting up a meeting with Uruguay, who beat Ghana in a penalty shootout.

Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder was involved in both second-half goals in Port Elizabeth after Robinho had scored for Brazil in the 10th minute. Brazil thrilled in the first half, completely dominating the Dutch, but crumbled when Sneijder's cross in the 53rd minute was deflected into his own net by Brazil midfielder Felipe Melo. Sneijder then headed in the winner in the 68th from near the penalty spot after Dirk Kuyt flicked the ball on from a corner.

Felipe Melo was shown a direct red card in the 73rd for stamping on Netherlands winger Arjen Robben, who tormented the Brazilian defense.

“We didn't expect this,” Brazil coach Dunga said. “We know that any World Cup match is about 90 minutes. In the first half we were able to play better, and we weren't able to maintain that rhythm in the second half.”

The Netherlands, which extended its unbeaten streak to 24 games since losing to Australia in September 2008, will play Uruguay on Tuesday in Cape Town. Ghana failed in its mission to become the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal.

Uruguay reached the World Cup semifinals for the first time since 1970, beating Ghana 4-2 on penalties after the last African team in the tournament missed a spot kick in the final minute of extra time.

The Uruguayans advanced after Sebastian Abreu casually chipped the last penalty straight down the middle to secure the win, after a 1-1 draw following 120 minutes of play.

Asamoah Gyan had a chance to win the game, but he hit the crossbar with a penalty in the last second of extra time after Luis Suarez was sent off for handling the ball on the line.

“To be among the four best (teams) in the world, there are no words for that,” said Uruguay forward Diego Forlan, who scored the equalizer with a free kick in the 55th minute. “We felt we were going to faint with each penalty.”

In Saturday's quarterfinals, Argentina plays Germany in Cape Town and Spain takes on Paraguay in Johannesburg.

Germany coach Joachim Loew sought to tone down the pre-match criticism of Argentina by saying his players respect their quarterfinal opponents.

Several players criticized Argentina ahead of Saturday's match and Loew said there was “freedom of speech” in his team.

He then proved it Friday by calling Argentina “incredibly aggressive” on the field.

Loew said Argentina is “physical to the limit” and that he expected the “greatest possible resistance” from the South Americans.

Africa was dealt another blow before kickoff on Friday when FIFA threatened to suspend Nigeria from world football unless the country's government overturns its ban on the national team following its elimination in the group stage last week.

Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan has until Monday evening to back down on his threat to pull the Nigerian Football Federation out of international competition for two years.