“We can look back at a very successful tournament, I’m proud of my players.” – Louis Van Gaal, Netherlands Coach
The Oranje’s unforeseen successful campaign ended last night with a dominating 3-0 victory over hosts Brazil. At the end of the game, the Brazilian fans loudly greeted the Dutch players after they received the third-place medals, applauding on their feet, while their team, Brazil got booed off.
Van Gaal has done a wonderful job and lead this unfancied Dutch side to a World Cup campaign that saw them undefeated throughout, having only lost to Argentina on penalties in the semis. After finishing second in 2010, the third place is the best position for the Netherlands since their runner-up medals in 1974 and 1978. The Brazilians had records of their own, conceding 14 goals in the tournament, the most ever for the team. In addition, tonight’s defeat was the first time since 1940 that Brazil lost two consecutive competitive games on home soil.
Van Gaal’s men got off to a dream start when Brazil captain Thiago Silva pulled down a sprinting Arjen Robben in the area after just 90 seconds of play. Robin Van Persie superbly converted the spot-kick. Within 16 minutes it was two.
Ajax left-back Daley Blind capitalised on defender David Luiz’s poor headed clearance and Blind had time to set himself up perfectly to fire home. It was another example of schoolboy defending from the Brazilians, which had been horribly unveiled against the Germans on Tuesday.
After some good work from Feyenoord right-back Daryl Janmaat, PSV attacking midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum completed the win in stoppage time.
This was a fitting end to the tenure of Louis van Gaal who now leaves for Manchester United. While Guus Hiddink will now be ready to hop into the Dutch hotseat, ahead of the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.
For the future of Brazil coach Luis Felipe Scolari and his players is unknown.
TEAMS
BRAZIL: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Maxwell, Luis Gustavo (Fernandinho 46), Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Ramires (Hulk 73), Paulinho (Hernanes 57), Oscar, Willian, Jo.
GOALS: None.
BOOKINGS: Thiago Silva 2, Fernandinho 54, Oscar 68.
NETHERLANDS: Cillessen (Vorm 90+1), Kuyt, Blind (Janmaat 70), De Vrij, Martins Indi, Vlaar, De Guzman, Clasie (Veltman 90), Wijnaldum, Robben, Van Persie.
GOALS: Van Persie 3P, Blind 16, Wijnaldum 90.
BOOKINGS: Robben 9, De Guzman 36.
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