The Brazilian national team were unable to bounce back from the semifinal defeat to Germany this evening as they hosted the Netherlands in the third and fourth pace match of the World Cup. The Netherlands were the winners of the ‘consolation’ match thanks to goals from Van Persie (p), Blind and Wijnaldum. Brazil, without Neymar Jr – injured – and Dani Alves – reserve –, thus close out their World Cup campaign.
Shades of the semifinal
After the painful defeat in the semifinal, the match could have started off in better fashion for the Brazilians. At the 2 minute mark, Thiago Silva brought Robben down right outside the area but the referee pointed to the spot for a penalty. Van Persie scored to give his team the lead. The pessimism returned to the host nation, and it got worse when Blind doubled the Netherlands’ lead on 15 minutes. The teams went to the dressing room with 0-2 on the scoreboard.
Second half to close out the campaign
Scolari brought in Fernandinho for Luis Gustavo in the second half, but Brazil were unable to threaten the Netherlands’ goal with the exception of two chances that well to Oscar and Maicon.
In the final minutes of the match Wijnaldum got on the end of a cross from Janma to score the definitive 0-3.
