Netherlands defeated Brazil 3-0 at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia on Saturday night in the third place play-off of the World Cup 2014.
A penalty from Robin van Persie and goals from Daley Blind and Georginio Wijnaldum ensured that the Oranje won the bronze medal.
There were only five survivors in the side from Brazil’s embarrassing 7-1 semi final defeat to Germany, with the most noticeable change being Jo coming in up front for the disappointing Fred.
The Netherlands only made two changes from the team that were defeated by Argentina on penalties with Jordy Clasie and Jonathan de Guzman replacing Nigel de Jong and Wesley Sneijder who was injured in the warm up.
A blistering start from the Dutch saw them take the lead inside just three minutes as van Persie dispatched a penalty into the top corner.
Arjen Robben was in on goal when Thiago Silva pulled him back and he could have been given a red as he was last man but only received a yellow. Replays also show that the foul took place outside the box and should have been a free kick.
It didn’t take much longer for the Oranje to double their lead as Blind fired home just after the quarter hour mark. Blind was on the end of David Luiz’s poor headed clearance and his effort flew into the roof of the net.
Brazil needed a reply quickly and nearly found one as Oscar went on a mazy run but his shot was thwarted by Jasper Cillessen in the Dutch goal.
The Selecao created a few half chances after but none noteworthy and went into the break two goals behind.
It took a while for a chance to arise in the second half but it finally came to Brazil on the hour. Ramires’ neat turn created space for a shot, but he dragged his effort past the post.
Just minutes later David Luiz looked to replicate what he did against Colombia, but his free kick was comfortably saved by Cillessen.
The tempo of the match was slow as both teams were constantly making fouls that affected the flow of the game.
Brazil could have had a penalty in the 70th minute as Blind and Oscar clashed knees in the box but the Brazilian was booked for simulation while Blind was taken off on a stretcher.
The Dutch seemed content with their lead as it was the Brazilians who were having more of the ball but just couldn’t penetrate the Oranje defence to create any real clear cut chances.
In the closing minutes of the game Georginio Wijnaldum slotted home a cross from Daryl Janmaat to cap off the victory for the Dutch and to earn them third place.
Boos ringed around the stadium on the final whistle as the hosts failed to live up to expectations and ended the tournament finishing in fourth place after they were unable to redeem themselves in the third-place playoff.
