Brazil captain Thiago Silva issued an apology on behalf of his team after their World Cup campaign ended with a 3-0 defeat to the Netherlands in Saturday's third-place play-off in Brasilia.

"It is a moment of great sadness, because we tried everything and didn't get the outcome we dreamed of. It is difficult to go home and say to your family: 'Sorry, I didn't manage it'", he said after the defeat to the Dutch, which came just four days after their 7-1 demolition at the hands of Germany in the semi-finals.

"It is difficult, because we have to lift our heads and cool down a little. Psychologically everyone is down, but I think life has to go on. Life does not end here."

Silva missed the Germany debacle due to suspension but endured a difficult return to the side at the Mane Garrincha National Stadium, conceding a penalty for a foul on Arjen Robben inside two minutes.

He was fortunate not to be shown a straight red card by the Algerian referee, but saw Robin van Persie net from the spot to set Holland on their way to a convincing victory.

"I can only apologise to the people. The switch-off against Germany really aggravated the end of our World Cup. Today's (Saturday's) defeat was definitely a consequence of what happened in the last match."

However, he added: "There were lots of positives, not everything was a disaster.

"But we need to evolve, yes, tactically, technically, physically, to have success in the future. It seems as if 2018 (the next World Cup in Russia) is a long way away, but the journey will begin soon."