The teams' first clash since the Dutch beat Brazil 2-1 in last year's World Cup quarter-finals became bad-tempered towards the end and Brazil's Ramires was sent off in the 79th minute for a second booking after a foul on Arjen Robben.
Playing with a three-pronged attack of Neymar and Robinho either side of centre-forward Fred, Brazil had a strong second half but could not get past inspired, debutant Dutch goalkeeper Tim Krul despite creating a number of good chances.
"We had some normal difficulties in the first half, didn't manage to mark Affelay well and gave away good chances to Holland that obliged Julio to make two excellent saves," Brazil coach Mano Menezes told reporters.
"We improved a lot in the second half, were sharper with our marking... we created a high volume of play, very clear chances, the ball ran along the goal-line but didn't go in because football's like that," Menezes added.
"Our players were very tired and we couldn't play as well as in the first half. Brazil got stronger and stronger, and sometimes you have to play in defence," Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk said.
"I think we were lucky and also had a great performance from our keeper, who was making his debut. In the end, a draw here against Brazil, for a small country like Holland, is not a bad result."
Since Menezes replaced Dunga as Brazil coach after the World Cup, Brazil had beaten the United States, Iran, Ukraine and Scotland but lost to major opponents Argentina and France. Saturday's match was Menezes' home debut.
