An early goal set the Netherlands on its way to a humiliating 3-0 win over hosts Brazil in their world cup third place play-off.
The much maligned third place encounter kicked off between these sides after disappointing semi final losses for both, for hosts Brazil’s a humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany.
And they suffered another, falling to three goals from the Dutch whilst mustering little in the way of a response.
Any plans to exorcise the ghosts of Tuesday flew out the window as early as the 2nd minute, after a van Persie through ball sent Robben clean through, skipper Silva bringing him down for the referee to point to the spot.
Robin van Persie made no mistake, burying the penalty into the top right corner.
Again Brazil had conceded the early goal, and they poured forward indiscriminately in search of the equaliser, leading to fast breaks for the Dutch reminiscent of Brazil’s 7-1 loss, yet they managed to hang on this time.
The best Brazil could offer were from crosses on the left, but Jo in the middle failed to trap his crosses well, thus they threatened little throughout the half, even after the Dutch went 2-0 up.
Robben’s through ball sent De Guzman free down the right, his not too good cross falling to David Luiz; but the defender’s clearance was poor, his header setting up Danny Blind who hammered into the roof of the net.