BRASÍLIA, July 13 — Hosts Brazil exited to boos from their fans as they trooped off trailing the Netherlands 2-0 at half-time in the World Cup’s third place play-off in Brasilia today.

Holland raced into a second minute lead after Brazil captain Thiago Silva brought down Arjen Robben in the box, with Robin van Persie converting the penalty for his fourth goal of the competition.

Silva, returning after missing the 7-1 Germany semi-final mauling due to suspension, picked up a yellow card from Algerian referee Djamel Haimoudi.

David Luiz, bought by Paris Saint-Germain from Chelsea for £40 million (RM173 million) before the World Cup, was badly at fault for the second. His headed clearance went straight to Daley Blind who volleyed in for his first international goal.

Wesley Sneijder was a last-minute withdrawal from the Dutch team after injuring himself in the warm-up. Jonathan de Guzman took his place. — AFP