Dirk Kuyt played third-place playoff with staples in head

Dirk Kuyt played the entire second half of the Netherlands' World Cup third-place playoff match with staples in his head.

The 33-year-old sustained the head injury following a challenge with Maxwell shortly before half time in his side's 3-0 victory over Brazil last night, and received treatment at the side of the pitch.

It has since been revealed that Kuyt's head was stapled back together by the medical team before he resumed play.

Kuyt played the full 90 minutes for his nation, as goals from Robin van Persie, Daley Blind and Georginio Wijnaldum wrapped up an impressive victory for Louis van Gaal's team.