A humiliated Brazil and downhearted Netherlands challenge for third place at the World Cup on Saturday in a match that will be quickly forgotten by teams already busy looking to the future.
The third-place match at the Mane Garincha National Stadium in Brasilia is part of the build-up to Sunday’s final between Germany and Argentina in Rio de Janeiro.
For Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari the match, starting at 2000 GMT, is too soon after his side’s 7-1 semi-final drubbing by Germany to be festive, and the Brazilian media are already debating whether the next coach should be a foreigner.
The Netherlands, meanwhile, are still drained by their penalty shoot-out defeat to Argentina and Dutch tactician Louis van Gaal will have his mind on moving to Manchester United for the new season.
Injured Brazil striker Neymar will be at the National Stadium, and Brazil captain Thiago Silva, who was suspended for the semi-final mauling, hopes the country can restore some pride by winning the third-place clash.
“The motivation is there, for me anyway. It is different of course to trying to finish in first place but we have to do everything to turn the page,” said the Paris Saint-Germain defender.
“We will be up against opponents of great quality who are only here because they missed penalties. Their team is much the same as that which beat us four years ago.”
The Netherlands beat Brazil 2-1 in the 2010 quarter-finals with a line-up containing five players who also started against Argentina on Wednesday.
vs
Who will win?
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
Lady Calls Out JAMB After Mysterious Overnight Change in Brother’s UTME Result
Ex-AUN Provost, Professor Yusuf Attahir Baba Loses Three Children in Devastating Car Crash
Football Star, Lionel Messi-Marriage Rumours Stir Online Frenzy As Divorce Speculations Grow
El-Rufai & Peter Obi Meet at Cambridge Conference, Sparking Political Speculation Ahead Of 2027 Elections
"How My Mother’s Lover Rap3d Me" — 12 Year Old Victim Narrates Ordeal