Brazil 0-3 Netherlands
- Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha, Brasilia – Attendance 68,034
- Referee – Djamel Haimoudi
- Netherland goals – van Persie (3 pen), Blind (16), Wijnaldum (90)
- Bookings – Fernandinho, Thiago Silva, Oscar, de Guzman, Robben
It was difficult to know what to expect ahead of this game in how the two nations would approach their final game of the tournament.
Out of the two, Brazil would be desparate for a performance in front of their home fans after losing in the semi-final so spectacularly.
In fact, the early signs were that the Dutch would be taking it far more seriously with a very similar starting line-up. The hosts made several changes including both Fred and Marcello missing out.
If the Brazilian players took anything from the defeat to Germany, it was not to change their way. Within minutes of this game they were a goal down.
It was perhaps harsh though as Robben went through on goal but captain Thiago Silva pulled him back. Robben being Robben did not go down where he was fouled, he carried on into the area before hitting the deck. The referee got both decisions wrong. When it was clear that the contact was outside the box he gave a penalty and when it was a clear goal scoring opportunity he only booked Thiago Silva.
It did not stop van Persie stepping up to give the Dutch an early lead. Brazil were having flashbacks of the Germany game.
It was not to get any better. The usual calming influence of Thiago Silva was missing and with David Luiz missing in action so often, the likes of Maicon and Maxwell were erratic. The back line simply could not get to grips with the Dutch who attacked at will. It was only a matter of time before they got another.
And they did. A poor headed clearance by the much criticised Luiz fell to Daley Blind who had time and space to pick his spot and put the Netherlands two goals up.
Brazil finished the first half with a lot of possession but the Dutch just looked more competent on the ball and anything the hosts could muster together, Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar was there. He has been one of the most unexpected players to shine at this World Cup and it is likely that the Villa Park club will receive a few enquiries about his services.
The half time interval was greeted with jeers from the home fans and most expected the Brazilians to come out for the second half ready to give it a go. But they didn’t. Their confidence looked completely shot and it is hard to recall a moment that the Dutch keeper Cillessen had much to do.
The game was over as a contest long before Wijnaldum added the third which allowed van Gaal to end the Dutch campaign by bringing on Swansea City keeper Vorm. In doing so, every player in teh squad had made an appearance at the World Cup. A nice touch from the Manchester bound manager.
The Netherlands return home with a respectable third place at the World Cup and a well earned break before domestic football gets going again. The same cannot be said of the Brazil team. Their campaign is deemed as failure and it is perhaps lucky that the majority of players earn their living outside of the country.
Where Brazil go now is anyones guess. They will need quite a makeover and plenty of therapy. But there will be changes. Big changes. But before all of that, they may well have one more embarressment to face – Argentina winning the World Cup at their Maracana Stadium in Rio.
That will be the ultimate in kicking a nation when they are down.
