The Netherlands are officially the third best team at World Cup 2014. And Brazil finish fourth. But there’s a huge gulf between these proud footballing nations.
For the host nation it was an opportunity to make amends for their humiliating 7-1 semi final defeat by Germany.
But the Dutch only made Brazil suffer further shame. Robin Van Persie despatched the opening goal from the penalty spot inside 3 minutes – after Arjen Robben was fouled by thiago silva. The Brazilian captain somehow avoiding a red card.
On 16 mins Daley Blind made it 2-0 .. the home fans falling silent in fear of another landslide.
In the end there was only one further strike deep into injury time from Georginio Wijnaldum
But this was too much for the Brazil fans who greeted the final whistle with boos for their fallen stars. Anyone who thinks this third place match does not matter can think again.
The sight of Dirk Kuyt at the side of the pitch having a cut on his head stapled confirmed just how much the Dutch players wanted to win this game.
Apart from their penalty shoot out defeat by Argentina in the semi final the Dutch finish unbeaten in this tournament. Louis Van Gaal proud of that achievement as he sets off for his new role as manager of Manchester United.
Meantime the biggest losers away from the World Cup are surely Paris St Germain. Did they really pay Chelsea 50 million pounds for David Luiz so they can play him in defence alongside Thiago Silva. Wow. Thats another Brazilian nightmare waiting to happen.
