Netherlands scored thrice to finish third in the 2014 World Cup, mounting more disappointment on the tournament hosts Brazil, after their devastating 7-1 semifinal loss to Germany on Tuesday.
Robin Van Persie gave Netherlands an early lead from the penalty spot in the third minute after Thiago Silva hauled off Robben who was free and just about to enter the box. Brazil looked rattled and it did not take long for the dutch to double their lead. Daley Blind hooked the ball into the net in the 16th minute from David Luiz’s header into play after Robben had set up De Guzman up the right flank.
The home side tightened up by attacking as the side kept their shape better, keeping possession for most of the first and second half. Oscar single-handedly took the fight to the Oranje but De Guzman and Wijnaldum were up to the task to stop the Chelsea attacking midfielder.
David Luiz had an opportunity to replicate his free kick brilliance against Colombia but dutch goalkeeper Cillessen picked up the ball off the bounce in the 61st minute. Seven minutes later Brazil were controversially denied a penalty as the referee booked Oscar for diving in the box although Blind had stepped on his foot causing a knee collision.
Hulk replaced Ramires in the 73rd minute before wasting his only clear chance of the game from the tight angle high over the intersection of crossbar and post. Georgino Wijnaldum found Netherlands’ third to wrap up third place in the 91st minute after Robben set up Janmaat on the overlap for a cross towards the penalty spot.
The result saw off Brazil’s Maicon Sisenando in what could have been his last international engagement for the national team since 2003. Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal along with his team got awarded with bronze medals having gone seven games undefeated.
