World Cup third place play-off preview: Brazil v Netherlands

Brazil may be odds-on at 4/6 to finish third at this World Cup, and 11/10 to pick up bronze in 90 minutes with Coral, but they have won just one of seven meetings with the Netherlands since knocking them out of the 1994 World Cup.

Clockwork Orange avenged that at the last tournament in South Africa, however, with Wesley Sneijder proving the difference between the two sides. He bagged a brace in a 2-1 victory. Sneijder scoring two or more again is 20/1 and something of a long shot, while odds of 7/2 say he will be on target anytime.

A repeat result of the 2010 quarter-final, 2-1 to the Dutch, comes in at 11/1. Louis van Gaal is not relishing the prospect, however, of playing a game nobody really wants to be involved in. “This match should never be played. I’ve been saying that for 10 years; it’s unfair,” he said.

“There is only one award that counts and that is becoming world champions. The worst thing is that there is a chance you are going to lose twice in a row. And in a tournament in which you have played so marvellously well you go home as a loser.”

Punters must hope Van Gaal’s attitude doesn’t rub off on his players. The Netherlands are 6/5 to scoop third place, and 23/10 to win in 90 minutes. A draw in normal time, meanwhile, which has been the outcome in five of the last seven meetings, comes in at 14/5.

Nonetheless, we can expect some fringe players to be involved here for both nations. Michel Vorm could start in goal for the Dutch as the Swansea stopper is yet to see any action at this tournament. Odds of 9/2 say Clockwork Orange will keep a clean sheet.