Scolari makes six changes

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari makes six changes to his starting line-up for Saturday's World Cup third-place play-off against the Netherlands.Photo by: Marcelo Regua/Reuters

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari makes six changes to his starting line-up for Saturday's World Cup third-place play-off against the Netherlands.Photo by: Marcelo Regua/Reuters

Published Jul 12, 2014

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Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari makes six changes to his starting line-up for Saturday's World Cup third-place play-off against the Netherlands at the Mane Garrincha National Stadium in Brasilia.

Captain Thiago Silva returns to the side after missing the humiliating 7-1 semi-final defeat against Germany on Tuesday due to suspension.

Meanwhile, Maxwell makes his first appearance at the World Cup at left-back in place of Marcelo, while Willian starts for his country for the first time, having made all of his 11 previous appearances from the bench.

Ramires and Paulinho, who came on at half-time against Germany with Brazil already trailing 5-0, are handed starts and Jo replaces the much-maligned Fred in attack.

As well as Fred and Marcelo, the other Brazil players to drop out are Dante, Fernandinho, Hulk and Bernard.

In contrast, Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal makes just one change for what will be his last game at the helm before he takes over at Manchester United.

Nigel de Jong, who made a surprisingly quick recovery from a torn groin muscle to start in the semi-final loss on penalties to Argentina, drops out with Jordy Clasie taking his place.

It will be the Feyenoord midfielder's first start of the tournament.

Starting line-ups:

Brazil

Julio Cesar; Maicon, Thiago Silva (capt), David Luiz, Maxwell; Ramires, Luiz Gustavo, Paulinho; Oscar, Willian; Jo

Coach: Luiz Felipe Scolari (BRA)

Netherlands

Jasper Cillessen; Stefan de Vrij, Ron Vlaar, Bruno Martins Indi; Dirk Kuyt, Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordy Clasie, Wesley Sneijder, Daley Blind; Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie (capt)

Coach: Louis van Gaal (NED)

Referee: Djamel Haimoudi (ALG) – AFP

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