Netherlands win 3rd place by beating hosts Brazil
Netherlands finish the job early against host nation Brazil in 2014 FIFA World Cup third place game.
Netherlands defeated host nation Brazil 3-0 in 2014 FIFA World Cup third place playoff at Estadio Nacional, Brasilia on Saturday.
In the second minute of the game Netherlands - also known as "Oranje" (Oranges) - were awarded an early penalty. Algerian referee Djamel Haimoudi pointed the white spot without hesitation after Dutch winger Arjen Robben was pulled down by Brazilian centre-back Thiago Silva in an action that appeared to have started just outside the box.
Thiago Silva was shown a yellow card even though he was the last man. Dutch forward -playing for English club Manchester United- Robin van Persie successfully converted the penalty in 3rd minute, 1-0.
Fourteen minutes later Netherlands doubled the score as soon as 24-year-old defender Daley Blind hit with his weaker foot after Brazilian defender David Luiz's header in Brazilian box, 2-0. This goal surely sealed the victory for 'Oranje'.
In second half hosts Brazil looked for overlap and got the ball forward to narrow the gap against their European opponents however in stoppage time of the play Netherlands made it three thanks to Georginio Wijnaldum's goal. 23-year-old PSV Eindhoven midfielder made an easy finish right after receiving the cross of Daryl Janmaat from the right, 3-0. So the clash in Brasilia ended as a Dutch triumph.
After the final whistle FIFA President Sepp Blatter took to the pitch to give the bronze medals to victorious side Netherlands.
