The Netherlands defeated host-nation Brazil 3-0 yesterday in the 3rd place consolation match in Brasilia. There were many questions about how Brazil would be able to recover following its catastrophic 7-1 defeat at the hands of the Germans in the semifinal and there was no doubt the Brazilians came out flat in this match. Captain Thiago Silva brought down Dutch star Arjen Robben in the box a mere 3 minutes into the match, drawing a penalty. Dutch captain Robin Van Persie stepped up and converted from the spot, giving the Dutch an early lead that they would not vanquish.
The news only got worse from there for the Brazilians as David Luiz made a crucial error in trying to clear a cross in front of the goal in the 17th minute. Dutch defender Daley Blind took advantage of the error and was able to volley the ball past Brazilian keeper Julio Cesar. Georgino Wijnaldum completed the scoring in injury time with a shot past the near post, completing the devastating victory for the Dutch.
The last two performances undoubtedly leave the host-nation with a sour taste in its mouth. Considered by many to be the pre-tournament favorites following their impressive performance in last year’s Confederations Cup, the semifinal and 3rd place matches were a rude awakening about their place in world football after being dominated by European powers. There is no way to tell for sure, but perhaps not having to go through the grueling qualifying of CONMEBOL left the Brazilians unprepared for the rigors of the World Cup. There is simply no way to replicate the intensity of qualification matches through the variety of friendlies that they were forced to schedule in lieu of the qualification. It will be a long wait until the Copa America 2015 in Chile next summer, when the Brazilians get their first chance at redemption on the international stage. For now, they are left to root for the Germans in Sunday’s final, as having their blood rival Argentina host the World Cup at the Maracana and celebrate in their streets would be the ultimate in adding insult to injury for the Brazilians.
For the Dutch, the 3rd place showing is immensely impressive given the low expectations that most pundits, including its fans, had coming into this tournament. Many did not expect the Dutch to even get out of their group, let alone make such an impressive run through the tournament, with their only defeat coming in the semifinal on penalties to Argentina. As manager Louis Van Gaal leaves to take over at Manchester United, new manager Guus Hiddink will have plenty to build upon as the squad goes through qualifying for the 2016 European Championship. Although the Dutch were once again denied the ultimate prize that they have been searching for, this showing is something that le Oranje can be proud of.
All that’s left of the 2014 World Cup is Sunday’s final between Germany and Argentina. Based on the rest of this tournament, it should be an epic conclusion to what has been an incredible World Cup.
Follow Mike Smith on Twitter @thefootiegent
