FIFA 2010 World Cup: Netherlands hold off Uruguay 3-2, South Americans out
The first semi-final of the FIFA 2010 World Cup was played between Netherlands and Uruguay in Cape Town. The Netherlands were the favourites to win it, which they eventually did by 3-2, and made their way into the final for the third time in history. This match also eliminated the last South-American team from the World Cup, and destroyed the Uruguayans hopes for a third FIFA World Cup.
The match started with a lot of promise for both sides. However, no side got a clear cut chance to get the early lead. The first goal came for the Dutch, their captain Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, shot an explosive 40-yard volley into the goal. This brilliant individual effort raised the spirits of the Dutch side, while the Uruguayans started their hunt for an equaliser. The equaliser came in the first half from another 40-yard shoot by Diego Forlan, but the Dutch goal-keeper Maarten Stekelenburg could have kept it out. At the end of first half both teams were level. There was nothing of significance in the first half, except a couple of missed chances and two brilliant individual efforts.
The second half started in similar fashion for both teams. However, in the 70th minute a shot from Wesley Sneijder deflected from Maxi Pereira and went into goal. The panic struck the Uruguayans for a slight moment, as they let Arjen Robben run free in the box to head home a cross from Dirk Kuyt, in the 73rd minute. Thus, the match went in the favour of the Dutch as the Uruguayans seemed to be out of options. The Uruguayans did get a goal in the 90th minute of the game, as Maxi Pereira scored past the clumsy Maarten Stekelenburg. It was, however, too late and the Dutch won the match by 3-2.
The Dutch still were missing the spark in this match. It seems that they still have to find their rhythm. This was nothing like the side which excited the fans during the Euro 2008, as the free-flowing football was almost missing. Although, Arjen Robben was well kept by the Uruguayan defenders, but Wesley Sneijder once again, ran the show for his team. Sneijder was once again, the Man of the Match for his team, as he controlled the midfield for a greater part of the match. The Dutch seem to do just enough, as they step into another final but still it seems that something is missing from their game. However, this time around the players’ morale is boosted as they would try to win the trophy in their third attempt.
The only Dutch player that had a bad game was Maarten Stekelenburg, the goal-keeper. The goal-keeper misread the flight of the ball on the long shot by Diego Forlan. He also made no effort to stop Maxi Pereira’s shot. However, Stekelenburg must be preparing well for the final. As such performance would let his team down. Also, Arjen Robben did not have a good game. Robben, suddenly seems reluctant in firing shots on goal. His continuous search for a better position makes it easy for the defenders to clear the ball. A goal might give him his confidence back, which would be necessary for the team’s eventual victory in the World Cup.
The Uruguayans had a good game as well. They showed composure in defence. The two goals were highly unlucky, as nothing could be done to stop the first two efforts. The real problem faced by the Uruguayans was the lack of attacking options. With Luis Suarez suspended after picking up a red card in the quarter finals, the coach Oscar Tabarez seemed to be out of options. He even substituted Diego Forlan in the 84th minute, but there was nothing much that he could do to bring down a two-goal Dutch lead. However, the Uruguayans played very well throughout the World Cup and definitely deserve a round of applause from the football fans around the World.
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