Brazil Is Being Embarrassed At The World Cup Again
After losing 7-1 to Germany in the semifinals, the third-place match against Netherlands was Brazil's last chance to save some dignity as the host nation of the World Cup. But so far, they are being embarrassed yet again, falling behind 2-0 in the first 16 minutes.
The onslaught began immediately, with Arjen Robben of Netherlands getting free and appearing to have a 1-on-1 with the keeper. But Brazil's Thiago Silva pulled Robben down from behind and penalty kick was awarded.
The foul did start outside the box although it may have continued into the box.
More amazingly, Silva was only given a yellow card and was not sent off with a red.
This led to a perfectly-executed penalty kick by Robin van Persie who placed the ball into the upper-right corner.
Then, in the 16th minute, Netherlands played a cross in front of the goal. Unfortunately for Brazil's David Luiz, his momentum was towards the goal, so when he tried to head it clear, it landed at the feet of an unmarked Netherlands player in the middle of the box.
Not many players are going to miss from this spot. Daley Blind, a lefty, even converted this with his off-foot.
But this goal was not without controversy. The pass just prior to the cross into the middle appeared to be offside.
But at halftime it was 2-0 and the Brazilian supporters were booing their national team.
