Brazil vs Netherlands 2014 World Cup: Three Things to Watch For

Dutch forward Arjen Robben hinted at Holland's desire to forgo Saturday's consolation game with Brazil, stating that they would rather go home. It's understandable given their penalty kick loss to Argentina on Wednesday that left them one win from the World Cup final.

This is what happens when one team has everything to play for and the other would rather not be there at all.

Still, the Netherlands still has has a game to play regardless of their disdain for a third-place game. They face a Brazilian team reeling from an embarrassing performance against Germany; one that saw Die Mannschaft score four times in a six minute span.

A Selecao manager Luiz Felipe Scolari needs anyone not name Silva or Neymar to step up. Meanwhile, Dutch manager Louis van Gaal wants to exhibit how futile their matchup is.

Brazil still has something to prove, even if Holland doesn't, otherwise Scolari may not make it to the 2018 World Cup. Here are three thing to watch for in a game neither Brazil or Holland wants to play.

The Netherlands Playing with Indifference

Holland has never won soccer's holy grail, despite reaching the final three times. At this point they would rather watch the game than participate. Van Gaal has been critical of the game for years and recently stated "I believe that chances are you lose two games in a row."

Don't expect the Netherlands to come out with guns blazing. They lost World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978 to West Germany and Argentina, respectively, before Spain beat them 1-0 four years ago in South Africa.

Robben and captain Robin van Persie didn't score beyond group play, emphasizing their ineptness in knockout stage games. Van Persie didn't even make it to the shootout with Argentina after van Gaal said his lead striker was tired.
If Holland's two star strikers didn't score when it mattered, what hope is there in what is basically an international friendly.

Scolari Vying to Save His Job

The first time Brazil hosted a World Cup they lost the championship match to Uruguay in what was the most lopsided loss in team history. That was until Germany's 7-1 drubbing.

One can place blame on Neymar's injury, or Silva's two yellow cards, but Brazil's fate ultimately lies with Scolari. He will pull out all the stop against the Dutch.

Brazilian football great Zico has already said Scolari must be replaced following their abysmal World Cup showing. Neymar's agent shared he sentiment Thursday, calling Scolari an "old jerk" who is "arrogant, repulsive, conceited, and ridiculous."One game won't change the nation's perception of Scolari, especially following Tuesday's slaughter, but he can save some face with a victory.

A Low Scoring Affair

The Netherlands haven't scored since substitute forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar netted an extra time goal against Mexico in the Round of 16. Their offense has been non-existent since.

Robben is Holland's most potent striker and he didn't factor in their loss to Argentina and Robben had opportunities but couldn't penetrate goalkeeper Sergio Romero. After allowing seven goals earlier in the week, Brazil's Cesar has to do the same.

David Luiz scored in back-to-back contests against Chile and Colombia, but couldn't must an attack against the Germans. Deemed the interim captain in Neymar and Silva's absence, Luiz is the heart and soul of the World Cup's host team. His tearful apology after the loss showed as much.

If  anyone is hitting the back of the net Saturday it will be Luiz. He's burdened with hold a discouraged team together. Brazil won't go out of the 2014 tournament as champions but they will go out with a win.