The Netherlands have added more misery to Brazil's unravelling World Cup campaign by taking a 2-0 lead into half time of the third-place playoff this evening.

The hosts got off to a nightmare start in Brasilia as Arjen Robben was hauled down by Thiago Silva when through on goal after less than two minutes.

The foul appeared to take place outside the area, but the referee pointed to the spot and then decided to show the returning Brazilian skipper a yellow card, despite him being the last man.

Robin van Persie eventually stepped up to take the spot kick, and the Manchester United striker made no mistake with a fine strike into the top corner.

Things went from bad to worse for Brazil in the 16th minute as David Luiz failed to adequately clear Jonathan de Guzman's cross, gifting the ball to Daley Blind, who fired it past Julio Cesar.

Holland continued to threaten and tested Cesar again shortly after the half-hour mark when Van Persie's strike from outside the area was held by the keeper.

Brazil's first real piece of goalmouth action came with seven minutes left in the half as Oscar's free kick was flicked on by Luiz Gustavo, only for it to fizz across goal, inches away from a number of yellow shirts.

Van Persie had another sight of goal towards the end of the first half, but once again his strike from distance was saved in routine fashion by Cesar.

The half-time whistle was once again greeted by boos and jeers from the home fans as they went into the break with another tough deficit to make up.