In Brazil, it’s been a week they’d rather forget
The Netherlands compounded Brazil’s World Cup misery with a 3-0 win to claim third place in the play-off in Brasilia on Sunday morning.
Thiago Silva, back from his suspension which saw him miss Brazil’s 7-1 hammering at the hands of Germany, hauled down Arjen Robben in the box to gift the Netherlands a third-minute penalty.
Robin van Persie duly obliged, putting the Dutch into the lead with a typically powerful effort from 12 yards.
Poor Brazilian defending then saw left-back Daley Blind left entirely unmarked in the box, giving him time to rifle home a half volley for his first international goal that doubled his side’s lead.
Brazil kept pushing to score a goal, but lax defending let it down again in stoppage time when Georginio Wijnaldum slotted a third goal past Julio Cesar.
The match closed out with a chorus of boos for the home side.
Tomorrow’s final sees Germany and Argentina battling it out to decide the 2014 World Cup winner.