An early breakthrough from the Dutch attackers and a late dagger to the chest from Giorgino Wijnaldum proved to be enough to end the hosts’ own World Cup in pain.
– See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf
Going into this bronze medal decider, neither side was particularly willing to play out another testing 90 minutes of pointless football.
However, an energetic Arjen Robben, as he has been all summer, was sent clear after 80 seconds and was hauled down by the returning captain Thiago Silva. Replays, however, showed that initial contact was made outside the box, there were also strong calls for Silva to be sent off. Up stepped Robin van Persie to smash his penalty into the top corner for his fourth goal of the tournament, level with Lionel Messi and Neymar. Again in quick succession, David Luiz made a terrible defensive mistake, his weak headed clearance landed at the feet of left back Daley Blind, who duly fired in for his first ever international goal, cueing thousands of Brazilian tears. The Selecao grew into the game though, as Oscar and Maxwell tried and failed while Jonathan de Guzman and van Persie had similar cases at the other end.
After the half time break, Arjen Robben was again at the centre of the action, his shot deflected over while Ramires and David Luiz had close attempts on goal. Oscar and Hulk tried numerous more times while Arjen Robben and co attempted to unlock the yellow line of defence again. Luiz Felipe Scolari cut a frustrated and troubled figure on the touchline and Holland rubbed salt in the Brazilian wounds as Giorgino Wijnaldum fired in from close range in stoppage time to secure the bronze medals.
Match breakdown
Man of the Match: Arjen Robben
Flop of the Match: Thiago Silva
Possession: Brazil 57% Netherlands 47%
Shots: Brazil 10 Netherlands 8
Robben proves his class
After a controversial but promising and explosive World Cup, it certainly seems like the rapid winger is one of the favourites for the Adidas Golden Ball award.
So after a promising but cautious start to the tournament, pressure finally caught up with Brazil as their World Cup ended in disaster following successive losses. As for the Dutch, it was another brave and exciting performance as they dazzled under Louis van Gaal for the final time.
Complete Coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup »
Connect With Us!
/**/
TheSportMatrix.com 