please log in to view this image please log in to view this image [h=2]TEAM NEWS[/h]Brazil will welcome back captain Thiago Silva to the centre of defence after he missed the 7-1 defeat to Germany through suspension. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is expected to make several other changes as the hosts try to salvage some pride. Netherlands are also set to rotate their squad, so the likes of Memphis Depay and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar could earn starts. Goalkeeper Michel Vorm is the only Dutch player yet to feature in Brazil. Head-to-head This will be the 12th game between Brazil and Netherlands (W3, D5, L3), and the fifth in World Cup finals. The Dutch have won two of the three most recent World Cup meetings, including a 2-1 win in the quarter-finals of the last World Cup. The two nations have given away the most fouls in the tournament - Brazil 107, Netherlands 106. Brazil's last victory over the Dutch was a 3-1 win in 1999. The match saw five players sent off; Edgar Davids, Andre Ooijer and Peter van Vossen for the Dutch, Rivaldo and Amoroso for Brazil. Netherlands had just one shot on target in their semi-final against Argentina, while Brazil had eight in their 7-1 loss against Germany. Brazil This is the fourth time Brazil have been involved in the third-place play-off. They have two wins (1938 and 1978) and one defeat (1974) from the previous three. Brazil have scored 11 goals and conceded 11 at this tournament. They have never let in more than 11 at a World Cup, having also done so in 1938. Brazil have had more shots (76) than any other country at this World Cup. Julio Cesar, David Luiz and Marcelo have featured in all 570 minutes of Brazil's 2014 World Cup campaign Marcelo has created 10 goalscoring chances for Brazil - only Neymar (13) has managed more for the hosts. Maxwell is the only outfield player yet to feature for Brazil. Netherlands This is the second time Netherland have been involved in the third-place play-off. They lost 2-1 to Croatia in 1998 having lost to Brazil on penalties in the semi-final. The Dutch scored 11 goals during their three groups matches but have managed just one in three knock-out games. Ten of the Netherlands' 12 goals in this tournament have come after half-time; the last four have come after the 75th minute. For the second time, after 1974 and 1978, Netherlands will finish in the top four in consecutive World Cups. Only Karim Benzema (15) has had more shots on target than Robin van Persie (10) in this World Cup, but the Dutchman is yet to score in the knock-out stage. Michel Vorm is sole player within the Dutch squad yet to make an appearance at this World Cup.
All races and tournaments have third places...every team knows about this at the start of the tournament, so no point in Van Gaal moaning now. I would be pleased if England was contesting this.
Brazil will be desperate to give their fans something to cheer, but will the players have the character for this. We'll see.
I think it gives countries the chance to overcome their major disappointment of not making the Final. Only a team of losers would still have their heads in their hands, wallowing in a lack of enthusiasm. This match gives a team a chance to be the third best in the World. I'm bound to say that most teams will envy Brazil and Holland, whatever the two squads may be thinking at this time. Bet they both want to win come 9pm Saturday.
You get medals for 3rd and extra prize money. Saying the game means nothing is sour grapes from Van Gaal.
Brilliant, Sneijder just got injured in the warm up, looks like he pulled his hamstring... 2-0 Brazil for me.
