FIFA World Cup: Netherlands blank Brazil 3-0 in play-off

Oscar looked to be the most impressive Brazilian player on the field and embarked on a mazy run before launching into a shot from the edge of the box, but Jasper Cillessen was equal to the task at the post.

For the record, Brazil have conceded 14 goals in the tournament, the most by the five-time winners in a single World Cup finals.

In between, on the 16th minute, Brazilians Jo and Ramires were inches away from converting a cross from the left, but the ball bounced clear and away to safety.

Brazil did enjoy greater ball possession in the first half and created enough goal scoring chances, but their shots on the target were week.

Before the second half started, Fernandinho was brought in place of Luis Gustavo while Ramires made way for Hulk, but nothing could bring Brazil the elusive goal.

In the 50th minute, Brazil survived another Holland attempt from the set-piece.

Just before that though, there was a great run from Ramires. The Chelsea player broke through the Holland defence but his final touch outside the box was blocked by a defender for a corner.

In the 59th minute, Ramires twisted and turned to fire in a shot, only to see his attempt miss the target by about a foot.

Brazil showed urgency towrads the end but lacked badly when it came to finishing.

Earlier, right back Maxwell and striker Jo were among the players who started for Brazil.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari made four other changes from the team that started the devastating 7-1 loss to Germany in semifinals. Silva was back in the lineup as expected, but the coach also included three new mid-fielders - Willian, Ramires and Paulinho.

Leaving the team were Marcelo, Dante, Fernandinho, Hulk, Bernard and Fred.

Wesley Sneidjer was a last-minute withdrawal from the Netherlands team after he injured himself while warming up for the game.

Sneidjer's place in the team was taken by Jonathan de Guzman. The other change made by coach Louis van Gaal in the Oranje starting line-up was Jordy Classie in place of Nigel de Jong in midfield.