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The third-place play-off might be the least popular fixture in the World Cup, but Dirk Kuyt was in no mood to miss out on the action yesterday.
The Dutchman received a head wound during a clash with Maxwell during the game, but was so desperate to play on that he got his side's medical team to staple his head shut.
Kuyt, cut his head open during aerial challenge for the ball in the first half, and was bleeding reasonably heavily.
However after being checked over by his team's doctors, he continued to play on, his head stapled back together.
Show all 22 1 /22Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Julio Cesar Despite the early Dutch dominance, the former QPR shot stopper had precious little to do. Couldn’t have done much about any of the Netherlands' goals. 7
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Thiago Silva Was guilty of a calamitous foul in the opening 60 seconds which set the tone of the entire evening. Fortunate not to have been dismissed too. 5
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings David Luiz Another tepid display from a player who PSG value at £50m. The former Chelsea defender's 16th minute header proved to be the perfect assist for Daley Blind. 5
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Maxwell Ineffective and barely present, Maxwell contributed very little to the cause on an evening where national pride was at stake. 4
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Maicon A surprise inclusion, given his age, the former Manchester City full-back strived to get forward but was left wanting whenever dispossessed. 6
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Paulinho Was utterly absent in the first half and substituted early into the second period. A poor, ineffective display. 4
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Oscar One of the very few bright lights for Brazil on another dark evening for their footballing reputation. Carved chances out of nothing and threatened from set-plays. 7
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Ramires While not awful, the Chelsea man could have done so much more. Ramires at least shown passion and a desire to make his mark. 6
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Luis Gustavo Went missing for the entirety of the first half. Rightfully taken off in the second period. 4
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Willian Had very little of the ball and so struggled to make an impact. While running the line admirably, the Chelsea midfielder ultimately had a disappointing night. 6
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Jo Completely impotent in attack, it’s no wonder Brazil struggled to break the Netherlands down. Jo’s inclusion says a lot about their striking options other than Neymar. 5
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Jasper Cillessen Was able to sit back and watch his side do the business at the opposite end. Whenever he was called upon, Jasper Cillessen was up to the task. 7
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Ron Vlaar The Aston Villa defender has had an emphatic World Cup and tonight was no different. As Brazil begun to pose more of a threat, the Dutchman stood up firm once more. 8
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Stefan De Vrij Like his defensive partner Ron Vlaar, Stefan De Vrij has been a vital component of the Netherlands' winning machine. Blocking, heading and clearing every ball, this was another fine display. 7
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Bruno Martins Indi While coveted by many Premier League clubs before the tournament, some have suggested Martins Indi’s stock has fallen this summer. Based on this display, however, he would make an excellent acquisition. 7
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Daley Blind Scoring his first ever international goal, with a fine finish to punish David Luiz’s awful header in the opening stages, Daley Blind made his father proud once again. Unfortunate to leave the field with injury in the second half. 8
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Dirk Kuyt The former Liverpool attacking midfielder really appears to have settled in his more defensive role with the national side and proved once more why Louis van Gaal continues to put his faith in him. 7
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Arjen Robben A master at ‘winning’ penalties, the Bayern Munich star was possibly up to his old tricks again after persuading the referee that Thiago Silva’s challenge was in the area. An otherwise professional and dangerous performance. 7
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Jordy Clasie Occasionally going missing, the Feyenoord youngster will perhaps have been hoping to make more of an impression. 6
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Georginio Wijnaldum Scoring late on, to rub yet more salt into Brazilian wounds, Georginio Wijnaldum was rewarded for a combative and committed display. 7
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Jonathan de Guzman Having been thrown into the starting line-up after Wesley Sneijder’s pre-match injury, the playmaker who spent last season on loan at Swansea City acclimatised well. Playing a major role in Daley Blind’s goal too, this was a good night’s work. 7
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Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 player ratings Robin van Persie The Manchester United forward’s powerful penalty summed up his night and indeed his entire tournament. Giving his ‘bronze medal’ to a Dutch supporter in the crowd, he proved himself to be a gentlemen too. 7
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Kuyt is left bloodied after clashing heads with Maxwell of Brazil (Getty Images) Dirk Kuyt has his head stapled together after an accidental clash with Maxwell (Getty Images) The Netherlands finished the game as comfortable 3-0 winners, with goals from Robin van Persie, Daley Blind and Georginio Wijnaldum.
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