Semi Final Preview: Uruguay vs Netherlands

By Dominic Vieira, writing from Lisbon

The first semi-final kicks off tonight After a two day break, the remaining South American side Uruguay takes on an organised and effiicent Netherlands. The match between the blues and the oranges kicks off at 19:30PM GMT in Cape Town.

It’s a surprise to find both these teams meeting 90 minutes away from the final. Uruguay, two times world champion, have been extremely lucky to reach the semi-finals after playing an extremely intense and dramatic quarter-final against Ghana. La Celeste could have lost the encounter but were saved by Luis Suarez who blocked a last minute goal from Adiyah. Asamoah Gyan couldn’t withstand the high pressure and missed what could have been the winning goal, Uruguay did not disappoint in the penalty shoot-out.

The Dutch were seen as outsiders in this competition and not expected to beat 5 times World Champion and favourites Brazil. However, the fact that they are playing without the “favourites” tag has taken a huge amount of pressure off their shoulders. The Orange Machine is playing like a team, controlling and dominating the matches in their unique style. They are the only team in the competition with a 100% winning record and scored 9 goals whilst suffering 3.

Team News

Both sides will be missing important players, Uruguay only have 18 players to select for the match. Luis Suarez is missing through suspension of course which means the prolific Suarez/Forlan striking partnership which has scored 6 goals will be broken. Abreu, who scored the winning penalty against Ghana will start. The other massive absence will be of their captain and leader Diego Lugano who has not recovered in time. Ajax youth player Nicolas Lodeiro is definitely out through injury and so is Godin. Jorge Fucile, the starting left back misses the game through suspension, which means Alvaro Pereira drops back to fill his spot. 

Netherlands have no injuries, Robben and Van Persie have both passed as fit for the clash. However, the Bayern Munich ace will start on the bench. The two big absences are of their right back Van der Wiel and holding midfielder De Jong, both are suspensed. Boulahrouz and De Zeeuw will fill in the respective positions.

Expected Line-Ups

URU (4-3-3): Muslera; M. Pereira, Scotti, Victorino, A. Pereira; A. Fernandez, Arevalo, Perez; Cavani Abreu, Forlan (c)

NED (4-2-3-1): Stekelenburg; Boulahrouz, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst; Van Bommel (c), De Zeeuw; Kuyt, Sneijder, Van der Vaart; Van Persie

Players To Watch


Diego Forlan will be wearing the captain’s armband tonight and without Suarez he’ll have to work twice as hard up front. He’s been the principal driving force in the team and a constant threat. His shooting has been polished and he’s a highly lethal free-kick taker. The 31 year old is in the form of his life, he’s the voice of the team and both scores goals as well as creates them. The two times European golden boot winner is a world class finisher, if he’s given a clear cut chance he won’t miss. He will be a constant headache for the Dutch defence who will mark him tightly and agressively.

The Netherlands have been playing brilliant collective football. They circulate the ball easily and smoothly throughout the pitch, their are solid and efficient links betwen the defence to midfield to the attack are the success behind the team. However, one man has clearly been shining out the most. Inter Milan’s Wesley Sneijder has been world class in South Africa, he’s the brain of the team and has scored 4 goals so far! The playmaker was the man of the match against Brazil and played the pivotal role in the team’s qualification for this semi-final clash. He’s a brilliant passer, shooter, thinker and now… scorer. Sneijder will run riot tonight!

Prediction: URU 1 - 3 NED, The Netherlands are clear favourites to win and will have the entire Cape Town backing them. They posesses the class, quality and intelligence to beat Uruguay. However, never underestimate South American passion and motivation. It may be a surprise to see Uruguay at this late stage of the competition and they can easily create another surprise. But Netherlands will win it for me, they have a menacing attacking strength and they will relish this match.

Who do you think will win?