World Cup 2010: Netherlands 1-1 Uruguay - Half Time Report
The Netherlands and Uruguay both scored once in the first half of the first semi-final in the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. Two left-footed strikes, from Van Bronckhorst and Diego Forlan respectively, from long range provided some inspiration in a first half that was dull, at best.
The Dutch had started the match as favourites and looked good value for that title. The possession in the first half, and indeed the play, was dominated by the Dutch, who looked like a very accomplished side, especially in the opening half.
As the game wore on, the Uruguayans came back into it but never really threatened the Dutch goalkeeper, Stekelenburg, until, and after, the goal.
It was the Dutch who opened the scoring, after a spell of possession. The goal, though, came out of nothing at all. The ball was passed on the left side of the penalty area in the 18th minute to Dutch Captain, and left-back, Van Bronckhorst who took what was one of the best strikes in the tournament from about 35 yards. The ball started off slightly higher than the crossbar and dipped after it passed the Uruguay goalkeeper's outstretched hands. It eventually went in off the post and put the Dutch ahead 1-0.
The goal seemed to give the Dutch more confidence, as they started to move the ball around with more purpose, getting Arjen Robben and Sneijder more involved in the game. The spell of possession, though, did not bring the all important second goal for the Dutch and so the game was always within the grasp of Uruguay.
In the 41st minute, Uruguay Captain Diego Forlan received the ball about 30 yards from goal. The Atletico Madrid striker has been the most prolific goal-scorer in Europe in the last 5 years, and he showed just why. After a swift turn he got the ball on his left foot, set himself up, and sent a shot towards goal with a lot of dip and swerve. The Dutch goalkeeper, Stekelenburg, was wrong-footed by the movement of the Jabulani ball, and so by the time he realized where the shot was heading, it was already too late. The ball had enough pace on it to smash into the net even after Stekelenburg got a good hand on it. The keeper looked disappointed with his effort but credit had to be given to Forlan for taking the shot in the first place.
The first half ended at 1-1. Fans will be hoping the pace of the game picks up in the first half, as well as the quality of football, since neither have done justice to the term 'World Cup semi-final'. The Dutch, in particular, will be looking to turn their dominance in possession to goals in the next half, as they look to secure a passage to the final and a first World Cup in their history. On the evidence of the first half, both Germany and Spain will back themselves in the finals to take the trophy home though, since neither team has displayed the kind of quality that is required to win a World Cup yet. It could all change in the next half, though. Let us hope it does.
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