0' Well, its the match no one wants to qualify for, nor even perhaps play, following a semifinal loss and the end of dreams. The Dutch with disappoint, and nothing to prove anymore, not even to themselves, but still putting their first team on the pitch. The Brasillians on the other hand with everything to prove, coming off the worse defeat in their history. They'll want to play strong and deliver one last gem for their fans, their country, and themselves. Heavy lineup changes are likely, and what should be an exhilarating match to follow, as third place matches are almost always the free flowing style of play with no pressure that makes for enjoyable viewing.
2' An excellent pass from van Persie sends Robben in free to call. Thiago Silva takes a tug at his shoulder and pulls him down, and he's lucky to only receive a yellow card. The Penalty is awarded, even though the initial contact of the foul might have been just outside the box. Van Persie connects, and Brasil are down 1-0 early. The crowd going absolutely silent, and the nightmare continues.
15' Despite the early goal, Brasil playing with all the intensity thus far. Robben single handedly creative havoc for the Dutch, but one has to wonder how fit they are, after two consecutive extra time matches. Brasil able to attack and send in some dangerous crosses, but nothing coming of them yet.
17' More disaster for the Brasilians. Defending extremely poorly. Its Blind who scores his first ever international goal, after trapping and finishing well on a poor clear by David Luiz, although the cross in coming from an offside player, but the sideline referee keeps his flag down. Despite all their efforts, Brasil simply unable to keep their defense in order, and now unlucky twice in calls from the referee.
30' The Brasilians still with the better possession, but unable to score yet. Their defense still looks very shaky, but they'll need to start finding goal to have a chance in this match.
45' At the half still only the 2 for the dutch. The Brasilians unlucky to have not scored yet. Oscar playing wonderfully with pace and creating almost all of their opportunities thus far. The Dutch not playing particularly attacking football, happy to sit back and relax on their lead.
60' Energy on the pitch not as high at the start of the second half from either team. The Brasilians still attacking to try to find goal. The Dutch simply look like they're waiting for the end of the practice section on some very tired legs. Brasil would do well to find goal, to find some relief for their fans. They've come close, but lack that finishing touch.
70' Well a bit of a controversy now, as Oscar is taken down in the box but instead of a penalty being awarded for Brasil, its a yellow card for diving. Although Oscar did perhaps make the most of the tackle, it was clear contact in the box, and Brasil very unlucky there. Its a poor decision by the referee.
90+1' The match ends with a whimper, neither side with the legs to play, or the hearts, but its a third dutch goal at the beginning of stoppage time, who finishes well on a cross in to the box. Poor defending from Brasil, and poor goalkeeping.
Final' Before its all over, Van Gaal putting in his second keeper, and all 23 Dutchmen who made the trip seeing some playing time. Brasil at the wrong side at another poor result, and its a horrible fall from grace for Brasil. In the end, they might even be considered lucky to have reached the semi, after nearly being taken out in the round of 16. Confirmation here today that the 7-1 result to Germany wasn't completely a fluke. Brasil looking completely disorganized in defense, and completely without bite in attack. Two horrible matches from Brasil to finish this tournament, and its a chapter in their history they'll quickly want to move past and forget. Some respite for the dutch, and they'll go home with medals, albeit bronze. They've played well, and its a good result for them nonetheless.
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