An early goal set the Netherlands on its way to a humiliating 3-0 win over hosts Brazil in their world cup third place play-off.

The much maligned third place encounter kicked off between these sides after disappointing semi final losses for both, for hosts Brazil’s a humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany.

And they suffered another, falling to three goals from the Dutch whilst mustering little in the way of a response.

Any plans to exorcise the ghosts of Tuesday flew out the window as early as the 2nd minute, after a van Persie through ball sent Robben clean through, skipper Silva bringing him down for the referee to point to the spot.

Robin van Persie made no mistake, burying the penalty into the top right corner.

Again Brazil had conceded the early goal, and they poured forward indiscriminately in search of the equaliser, leading to fast breaks for the Dutch reminiscent of Brazil’s 7-1 loss, yet they managed to hang on this time.

The best Brazil could offer were from crosses on the left, but Jo in the middle failed to trap his crosses well, thus they threatened little throughout the half, even after the Dutch went 2-0 up.

Robben’s through ball sent De Guzman free down the right, his not too good cross falling to David Luiz; but the defender’s clearance was poor, his header setting up Danny Blind who hammered into the roof of the net.

The only other notable action of the half was an Oscar shot straight at Jasper Cillessen, as the action swung back and forth with little consequence.

Brazil came for the second half full of purpose, intent on equalising both goals. Big Phil made changes, bringing on Fernandinho Hernanes, and Hulk all early in an attempt to turn the tide. Brazil consequently had a better second half than the first, but for some reason still failed to score as the Netherlands held on.

Maicon got down the right in the 56th, his cross finding Jo in the middle but the striker again failed to control the ball. Oscar did better three minutes later, jinking through three defenders before hitting a shot that Cillessen grabbed comfortably.

The routine was repeated in the 63rd, David Luiz hitting a free kick that was again saved by Cillessen. Brazil had a couple of penalty appeals all waved away, first a handball off a defender, then a challenge on Oscar for which he was booked for simulation.

The Netherlands did little on the other end, Robben remained a threat but they created little, most of his efforts aimed at conning the referee into a penalty. Brazil did better on the other end, but Hulk hit his shot too high, Oscar repeating the feat later in the 80th minute.

Unfortunately for the home fans, the Dutch were not done, adding a third in added time. Arjen Robben set Janmaat up down the right, he crossed in and Wijnaldum hit his shot first time into the bottom corner of the net.

Thankfully the game was brought to an end not long after, leaving the home side and fans to deal with their shambles of a tournament whilst the Dutch pick up their first third place medals in their world cup history.