World Cup Third Place Match: Brazil v. Netherlands

As if falling one match short of the final wasn't bad enough, the two semi-final losers must now meet up for the World Cup's penultimate match for the honor of third place. In the case of Brazil it's a chance to save a little face after the 7-1 humiliation at the hands of Germany; the hosts had big plans coming into the tournament and looked set to capitalize after working their way to the final four, but it all came undone in a disastrous first half that saw them concede five goals, four of which came in a dizzying six minute spell. So while today isn't the final they'd have hoped for, it's at least an opportunity to start to put the loss against Germany out of their minds.

The Dutch weren't quite as bad but still failed to impress against Argentina; for the second straight match they went to penalties, but this time they got off on the wrong foot with Ron Vlaar's opener saved by Sergio Romero, and another save from the Argentinean goalkeeper on Wesley Sneijder proved the difference. Naturally, Dirk Kuyt made his, and the former Liverpool man will take part in what will likely be the last major international tournament of his career.

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