Netherlands ended their 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign on a high note, scoring an impressive 3-0 win against host Brazil in the third-place match on Saturday at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia.

Robin van Persie scored his sixth World Cup goal when Algerian referee Djamel Haimoudi awarded him a penalty kick – an opportunity that the star striker did not waste as he struck the ball into the top corner.

The penalty awarded to the Netherlands was a controversial one, as replays showed that Dutch star Arjen Robben was still outside of the box when Brazil's Thiago Silva dragged the Dutch forward. Silva was also lucky after just getting a yellow for a foul that could have merited a red.

The Dutch squad made it 2-0 in front of a stunned Brazilian-dominated crowd as Daley Blind volleyed another goal off a poor clearance from David Luiz, who headed Jonathan De Guzman’s cross straight into Blind’s area.

Georginio Wijnaldum added insult to injury, netting Netherland's third goal in stoppage time. Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal fielded in goalkeeper Michel Vom in the final minutes of the match to become the first team in World Cup history to use all 23 players on their roster.

Oscar had a chance to score for Brazil in the 21st minute as he weaved into the Dutch defensive line, but Netherlands goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen had an excellent save. Oscar was arguably the lone bright spot for Brazil in the opening half, but his efforts were not enough to give his team a goal.

Later, Oscar almost gave Brazil another chance to score in the 67th minute when he appeared to have forced a penalty when Blind brought him down. However, the referee made another controversial call, booking Oscar for simulation instead of awarding a penalty.

With the win, the Netherlands will travel back home with their heads up high despite failing to improve from their second place finish after losing to Spain in the 2010 World Cup Final.

More highlights of the match and previous games are available on FIFA.com.

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