- Gareth O'Reilly
- Sun, Jul 13 2014
Brazil continued their abysmal form as another 90 minutes to forget unfolded for the host nation as Louis Van Gaal's Dutch side overcame the South American side, thanks to goals from Robin Van Persie, Jonathan De Guzman and a late Georginio Wjnaldum strike.
The game started at a frantic pace as straight away Arjen Robben found himself through on goal, only to be brought down by the arm of Thiago Silva. The Dutch attacker jumped back to his feet as a penalty was awarded, but the former Chelsea star was furious that the referee failed to also dismiss the Brazilian captain. Instead the Algerian official showed Silva his third yellow card of the tournament.
Robin Van Persie then stepped up to smash home from 12 yards and but his future club boss in front after just two minutes of play had elapsed.
Brazil were once again found out by the Dutch forwards. David Luiz, who certainly had a game to forget against Germany, made yet another horrible mistake that yielded a goal as he headed a De Guzman cross straight to Blind who simply smashed home unmarked from eight yards out.
The poor lacklustre display from Brazil was highlighted just minutes later as De Vrij waltzed through three Brazilian defenders before passing the ball off to a team-mate.
The next twenty odd minutes could have seen countless goals fly in as both sides went close from numerous set pieces with Oscar, Van Persie, Robben and David Luiz all going agonizingly close to converting a goal for their respective sides.
With the Dutch enjoying themselves on the back of their two nil lead, Van Persie tried a speculative half volley from 25 yards out that was easily held by Julio Cesar.
It took nearly 15 minutes for Brazil to get their first shot of the second half away as Ramires spotted a gap in the Dutch defence and broke through but ultimately dragged his shot wide of Cillessen's goal.
Not long after that chance David Luiz failed to recreate his past free kick endeavours as Cillessan easily held the PSG player's 25 yard dead ball effort.
Then in added time the Dutch, who had clearly taken their foot off the gas in the second half, scored a third goal as Wijnaldum tapped home inside the six yard box to further rub salt into the Brazilian wounds.
Then with just two minutes to go Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm was introduced for Jasper Cillessen as every member of Louis Van Gaal's squad made sure they played some part in the 2014 World Cup.
Brazil: Julio Cesar, Thiago Silva (c), David Luiz, Maicon, Maxwell, Luis Gustavo (Fernandinho 46), Paulinho (Hernanes 57), Oscar, Ramires (Hulk 72) , Willian, Jo
Subs Not Used: Henrique, Jefferson Galvao, Fred, Dante, Bernard, Dani Alves, Mercelo, Victor
Yellow Cards: Thiago Silva (1), Fernandinho (54), Oscar (68)
Red Cards: None
Netherlands: Jasper Cillessen (Michel Vorm 93), Ron Vlaar, Stefan De Vrij, Bruno Martins Indi, Daley Blind (Daryl Janmaat 70), Dirk Kuyt, Jordey Clasie (Joel Veltman 90), Georginio Wijnaldum, Robin Van Persie (c), Jonathan de Guzman, Arjen Robben.
Subs Not Used: Tim Krul, Terence Kongolo, Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Leroy Fer, Memphis Depay, Nigel De Jong, Jermain Lens, Paul Verhaegh
Yellow Cards: Arjen Robben (9), Jonathan De Guzman (36)
Red Cards: None
Referee: Djamel Haimoudi (Algeria)
Attendance: 68,034
Extratime.com Man Of The Match: Arjen Robben (The Netherlands)
