Brazil were made to endure more misery after the 7-1 semi-final demolition against Germany, as the host nation fell to a 3-0 defeat to Netherlands in the third place play-off of the FIFA World Cup.

Netherlands began the match in Brasilia without playmaker Wesley Sneijder, who was initially in the starting line-up but was replaced just before kick-off with Jonathan de Guzman after he sustained a hamstring injury during pre-match warm-up.

The abrupt change had no negative impact on the Dutch however as striker Robin van Persie put them ahead with a second minute penalty after Arjen Robben was brought down by Brazil captain Thiago Silva.

Wing-back Daley Blind made it 2-0 for the Dutch after 17 minutes with his first international goal, slotting into the top corner as the Brazil defence failed to clear a loose ball in the area.

The Dutch withstood pressure from Brazil in the second half with Ramires firing an effort just wide and David Luiz seeing a free-kick comfortably saved by Jasper Cillessen in the Dutch goal.

And the win was wrapped up in stoppage time through Georginio Wijnaldum who steered a low shot past Julio Cesar to complete a move he started in midfield after robbing Oscar of possession.

The win is the first time Netherlands have finished third at the World Cup while defeat for Brazil ensured the hosts have now suffered consecutive defeats on home soil for the first time since 1974.

The match also brings an end to Louis van Gaal’s time as coach of the Dutch national team, with the 62 year old set to resume his role as Manchester United manager afterwards.