BRAZIL 0, HOLLAND 3
New Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal piled on the misery as Brazil’s nightmare World Cup finish continued as they were comprehensively beaten by Holland in the third place play off.
After losing 7-1 to Germany – a record semi-final scoreline – Brazil were looking for redemption against the Dutch.
It was not to be in what looks certain to be Luiz Felipe Scolari’s last match as manager after Brazil conceded an astonishing 10 goals in their last two matches.
The Dutch, whose only loss in the World Cup was on penalties against Argentina in the semi finals, wanted to bow out unbeaten in regulation time.
They made a dream start winning a penalty after less than 90 seconds when Thiago Silva hauled back Arjen Robben when he burst through on goal. Though the initial contact was outside the box, it continued inside which is why the spot kick was awarded as Silva could count himself fortunate not to be dismissed as he escaped with a yellow card.
Manchester United’s Robin van Persie confidently dispatched the penalty, his fourth goal of the competition.
The Dutchmen doubled their advantage in the 17th minute when David Luiz’s errant headed clearance fell to left-back Daley Blind who fired into the roof of the net from almost on the penalty spot. It was further punishment and woe for Brazil who were effectively beaten inside the opening quarter of the match.
Van Persie was denied a second goal by a smart save from Julio Cesar as Holland remained on the front foot.
Their only moment of concern came midway through the second period when Blind was lucky not to concede a penalty after a clear foul on Oscar went unpunished. The Brazilian was stunned to be booked for diving.
And to add insult to injury, Holland added a third goal in stoppage time after a slick passing move was finished by a low shot from PSV Eindhoven’s Georginio Wijnaldum.