Brazil booed as Netherlands claim 3rd

Brazil’s miserable World Cup campaign ended to a chorus of boos on Saturday as the hosts slumped to a 3-0 defeat against the Netherlands in the 3rd place playoff match. A penalty from Robin van Persie and a Daley Blind strike saw the Dutch take a 2-0 lead after only 17 minutes as Brazil endured more woe after their humiliating 7-1 semi-final rout by Germany. Once again Brazil’s defence was hopelessly exposed, with the first Dutch goal coming when van Persie sent Robben racing in behind them. Thiago Silva tugged the Bayern Munich star over and although the foul began outside the penalty area, Algerian referee Djamel Haimoudi pointed to the spot. Silva meanwhile was lucky to escape with only a yellow card. Brazil’s defence was scattered once more in the 17th minute. Daryl Janmaat crossed from the right and David Luiz’s poor headed clearance fell to Blind who finished for his first international goal. Georginio Wijnaldum added a late third for the Dutch to trigger more jeers and catcalls for the hosts. The defeat marks the first time since 1974 that Brazil have lost consecutive World Cup matches. The defeat comes with Brazilian fans already dreading the nightmare scenario of Argentina lifting the World Cup in Sunday’s final against Germany at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, according to AFP.