The Netherlands inflicted more misery on Brazil, beating the hosts 3-0 and sealing third place in the 2014 World Cup. This comes after Brazil was thrashed 7-1 by Germany in the semifinals on Tuesday, meaning the hosts conceded 10 goals in just two games.
The pre-match talk was all about redemption for that humbling against the Germans in Belo Horizonte, but things did not start well for the hosts as the Dutch soon found themselves 2-0 up. Robin van Persie scored from the penalty spot after just two minutes, after Arjen Robben had been fouled, and then defender Daley Blind provided a smart finish after he capitalized on a defensive mistake.
With only half an hour gone, whistles and boos were already ringing around the stadium as Brazil fans were incensed by their team's inability to try and pose a threat to the Dutch goal. In fact, it was Holland who looked the more likely to add to their tally.
Some of the fans were becoming particularly irritated with head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. The 65 year-old had helped Brazil win the World Cup in 2002, which was the last time they won the trophy. However, a number of disjointed performances, as well as puzzling team selections had alienated significant numbers of supporters.
Brazil did improve in the second half, especially with the introduction of Hulk, who plays for Zenit St. Petersburg in the Russian Premier League. But despite enjoying plenty of possession, they never scored a goal to get themselves back into the game.
The Brazilians were once again without their talisman, Neymar, who missed his second match in a row through injury. He broke a vertebrae in his back following a robust challenge in his side's 2-1 victory against Colombia in the quarterfinals, which forced him to miss his country's humiliation at the hands of the Germans.
Since Neymar couldn't play, neither did Brazil #brapic.twitter.com/7ZN037PRqK
— Neymar JR (@11NeymarTeam) July 12, 2014
The Dutch were happy to defend, while Robben, who has been one of the stars of the tournament, was a constant threat going forward. They sealed the game in stoppage time as Georginio Wijnaldum struck a sweet half volley to make it 3-0.
Many of Brazil's fans did not even wait to hear the final whistle and applaud their favorite players, with their team conceding a total of 10 goals in 2 games. But the small Dutch contingent in Orange had plenty to cheer as they sealed third place, especially one lucky supporter, who received captain, van Persie's armband as a souvenir to take home.
A Dutch super fan was promoted to captain by Robin van Persie #WorldCuphttp://t.co/W0dfMIkly8https://t.co/on9WYeMSCs
— SB Nation (@SBNation) July 12, 2014