(Reuters)– The Netherlands supporters celebrated their team’s 3-0 victory over a beleagueredBrazil in the World Cup third-place playoff in the Brazilian capital on Saturday (July 12).
A handful of Dutch fans cheered as they left Brasilia’s national stadium, but were out-numbered and out-chanted by hoards of disappointed Brazilians letting off steam.
Some who tried to speak to reporters were quickly surrounded by crowds chanting, “A thousand goals. A thousand goals. Only Pele. Only Pele.”
But those who managed to be heard were overjoyed.
“We feel fantastic. Holland is the best. It’s really fantastic, just great, really great,” said Dutch fan Marjo Borst.
After their loss in a penalty shootout to Argentina, Dutch coach Louis van Gaal slammed the playoff for third as a waste of time, but on Friday (July 11) said it was important for the team’s and his own legacy.
The result meant they became the first Netherlands side to complete a World Cup undefeated in normal and extra time.
Dutch fans said they were proud of the team’s performance.
“Yes, what can I say? We didn’t expect this. We were much better… Well it’s a much better performance than we hoped for. So it’s fantastic,” said Dutch fan, Louis van Der Wiel.
“I think that the Netherlands played a very good match today, especially in the beginning. They played really well in the first 25 minutes, after that they were equalling each other, Brazil started to play a little better. But in the end, it was just a very beautiful game. The people are really friendly, they still want to be in a picture with us, they congratulate us, so it’s a really nice experience. Brazil is a beautiful country,” said another Dutch fan.
Brazil signed off from their home World Cup to a cacophony of boos as the defensive errors that crushed their bid for a sixth title resurfaced in a shoddy performance.
It was another blow to a team still clearly feeling the effects of Tuesday’s (July 8) 7-1 semi-final thrashing by Germany, a record World Cup defeat for the hosts.
Brazil fan Leonardo Aguia was disappointed but hoped Germany could deal a similar blow to old rival Argentina in Sunday’s (July 13) World Cup final in Rio.
“Very sad, very sad,” he said. “We had hoped that Brazil would add another star, one more. But it’s not a problem. We’re united, and we’re going to cheer for Germany. Germany, Germany.”
As well as laments, the two consecutive losses for Brazil on home soil – after the nation not having experienced such a loss since 1940 – has provoked calls to modernise the organisation of Brazilian soccer.
“Of course, I think that they need a complete overhaul. People want new players, and especially to bring valuable Brazilian talent that plays in Brazil, not abroad,” said Brazil fan, Moacir Santos.
Brazil’s poor performance has led many to call for coach Luiz Felipe Scolari to step down.
He said he will report to the Brazilian Football Confederation before deciding on his future.
