This was not the match Brazil was expecting to play in. The team entered the 2014 World Cup as the favorites with their stacked roster and home-field advantage. However, a blowout loss to Germany ended their chances and now the team must settle for third place. The Netherlands were expecting to be in the finals as well, so this match against Brazil is a short coming for both squads. However, Brazil and the Netherlands matchup well making this game a must-watch World Cup match.
Brazil is expected to play with a lot of pride as they are forced to settle for third place at best in this tournament. This is a must-win for the Brazilians after they disappointed in their previous game. To make matters worse, their rivals, Argentina, are preparing to compete in the finals over Brazil. After getting beat 7-1 to Germany, Brazil will enter the game against the Netherlands with a different. No, they will not have Neymar to help, but they do get Thiago Silva back who returns from a suspension that left him out of the Germany match. He will partner with David Luiz who is expected to step his game back up.
The absence of Neymar hurt Brazil more than most assumed. Scolari failed to change his tactics after the injury and Brazil did not adjust as Germany made their way through the holes on the roster. If the Brazilians are going to pull anything out of this tournament, they must rearrange the roles in order to not have any imbalances they might face.
The Netherlands do not want to compete in a third-place match. Louis van Gaal made it clear that this game is pointless. That attitude could lead the Netherlands to fall like Brazil did. The team is trying to defend their unbeaten record in the World Cup. They were beaten on penalty kicks to Argentina, costing them the tournament.
Attitude will mean everything in this game. If Brazil or the Netherlands fail to show any sort of excitement and energy, this game is going to be long and drawn out. However, Brazil has a lot to prove still and a big game against the Netherlands could make everyone forget about that seven-goal blowout.