Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
Robin van Persie gave away his captain's armband and possibly his World Cup bronze medal to a Dutch fan in a gesture that was simultaneously kind hearted and telling about how the award is viewed.
The Netherlands beat Brazil 3-0 in Brasilia with the Manchester United striker among those on the score-sheet.
It was a result that saw the Netherlands officially finish the 2014 World Cup in third place but the bronze medal position is arguably the least coveted honour in all of international football.
So perhaps it wasn't a surprise to see Van Persie immediately head to the crowd to celebrate. The Netherlands' captain went over to the stands where he appeared to pass his medal to a bizarrely dressed Dutch supporter who was wearing an orange military outfit complete with large hat and Netherlands flag bow-tie.
Van Persie is handed his third-place medal by Fifa president Sepp Blatter (GETTY IMAGES)
And just moments later gives it away (GETTY IMAGES)
As Van Persie handed him the armband, he was neither holding his medal nor wearing it around his neck, and the supporter kissed Van Persie's hand and touched the striker on the head in a show of thanks.
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
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
GETTY IMAGES
Germany and Argentina contest the final at 8pm on Sunday night.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies