RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AFP) — The Brazilian squad were met with insults and pushing and shoving from angry fans on Sunyesterday amid a welter of recriminations for their poor World Cup showing, culminating in a quarter-final loss to Holland.

Aside from much-vilified coach Dunga, the target for much of their ire was Felipe Melo, who deflected in Wesley Sneijder’s opener for the Dutch in a 2-1 loss and then got himself sent off as the five-times champions made a miserable exit.

The Brazilians landed in Rio after a 10-hour flight from South Africa and fans immediately vented their anger, judging Melo one of the “fathers of defeat.”

Protected by bodyguards, the Juventus player had to run for cover towards a vehicle driven by his father after supporters left him in no doubt as to their displeasure — even though the players were taken through a side door to avoid potential angry hordes at the main exit.

Fans were more forgiving with goalkeeper Julio Cesar, some shouting out their gratitude for what they saw as a good showing overall by the Inter Milan shot-stopper who was tearful after the Dutch defeat.

He also stopped to speak.

“I am very emotional — I want to thank the Brazilian fans. This was the fruit of three-and-a-half years of work,” he said before being driven off along with his mother.

Kleberson, Gilberto Melo, Juan and Thiago Silva also had to run the gauntlet along with team doctor Jose Luiz Runco and technical assistant Jorginho. The remainder of the squad carried on to Sao Paulo.

Runco meanwhile told reporters that great hope Kaka was not fully fit for the tournament after his recent thigh problems at Real Madrid.