Preview: Uruguay vs. Netherlands, Semifinal

July 6th, 2010 | by: Daryl |

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THE BIG PICTURE
Many will be shocked to see Uruguay still alive and kicking, and just one win away from the World Cup final. Theoretically South America’s fifth best team (based on World qualification) la celeste have outlasted Chile, Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina to be CONMEBOL’s sole remaining representative. Some might even be annoyed at Uruguay’s presence here, since it’s a direct result of Luis Suarez’ handball (since Adiyiah’s header was definitely going in). Good news for those people is that Suarez is suspended for this game as a result of that handball, which breaks up that fearsome Forlan/Suarez combo that’s damaged so many defences in South Africa. Jorge Fucile is also suspended for collecting one too many yellow cards and captain Diego Lugano is struggling with a knee injury. So we’ll find out how good that Uruguayan bench is in this game. More at the Uruguay blog.

The Netherlands have to be favourites here. There were no last minute handballs in their 2-1 win over Brazil in the quarters, and Oranje are the only team left with a 100% record of winning every game at World Cup 2010. Attacking mid Wesley Sneijder has been awarded what we thought was Felipe Melo’s own goal from that quarterfinal, which puts him joint second top scorer in the tournament. I’d say Sneijder’s a good candidate for player of the tournament at this point. The Dutch will be missing right back Gregory van der Wiel and defensive mid Nigel de Jong through suspension. Demy de Zeeuw seems the obvious choice to replace de Jong, but the Man City man’s hard but just about fair tackling will be a big miss. Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie are both expected to be fit. For much more, read Jan at the Netherlands blog.

WHAT’S AT STAKE
Just a place in the World Cup final, that’s all. Uruguay won the first World Cup in 1930 and repeated in 1950, but has not been back to the final since. The Netherlands went to consecutive finals in 1974 and 1978, but lost to West Germany and Argentina respectively, and haven’t been past the semis in the 32 years since. This looks like their best ever chance to do so, and have another crack at finally joining the World Cup winner’s circle.

Bet on Uruguay vs. Netherlands

OUR PREDICTION
I don’t want to dismiss Uruguay, but with the absence of Luis Suarez and the possible absence of Diego Lugano, I can’t see the Netherlands failing to get past them. I’m going to say 2-0 to Netherlands.

Read more about the World Cup 2010 Semifinals

FAN RESOURCES

Uruguay
Uruguay Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter
Uruguay Jerseys | Uruguay Tickets

Netherlands
Netherlands Team Blog | Follow on Facebook | Follow on Twitter
Netherlands Jerseys | Netherlands World Cup Tickets

International Football News – World Cup Blog RSS Feed

brentonwalters

Sneijder's goals have flattered him. Only his first goal was really good, and the keeper should have had it. His two against Brazil came because the Brazilian defence were a mess, and against Slovakia he had an easy one. For three he got himself into a good position, fair enough.

Yes, he's had a few good passes (to Robben for his goal), but I don't think he's done that great a job. In addition to scoring, he's meant to link up with and coordinate the attackers, something he hasn't really done.
Hana

Sure, his goals have been wonderful, but I respectfully disagree, brentonwalters. Sneijder has been nothing short of a creative mastermind going forward and a steady rock in midfield. Really a beauty to watch and certainly my pick for player of the tournament.
http://twitter.com/bktoria Bktoria deJesus

Yeah, all logic and reason and basically, anyone with a brain would know that the Netherlands are more likely to win. That's what I really like about sports: you cheer for the team you ally yourself to anyway and sincerely hope– hope that turns into believing– that they win.

GO URUGUAY!!
http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/NKTBVSFIZP2LRF6JN3EB3NNJSI marian

Well, actually there's nothing more at the Uruguay blog. They are still talkin' about Luis Suarez's handball (frankly, I've had it with that, the man took a red card and Ghana had a penalty in the 120th minute. what more do you want ?!).
So, nothing on today's match…
http://twitter.com/chriscorrigan Chris Corrigan

Yup…Lugo has lost the plot on the Uruguay blog. I'm not sure he can even see past his defensive rage to write about football anymore. Not that he wrote much before. Jan on the other hand has been posting some good stuff and the whimsical piece on the bracelets was funny.

Looking forward to this game tomorrow! Does Robben have any other tricks than cutting left at the top of the box and driving shots through the gaps? :-)
Drewsef

I dunno about that. True that one of his goals was a freak defensive error and one was a simple tap-in, but I would respond that by those standards, only one of David Villa's goals (v. Honduras) was truly impressive. Beyond that, one was a freak goalkeeping error (v. Honduras, the other one), and another was just an extremely luck bounce to his feet (v. Paraguay) that then needed another lucky bounce from the post to go in.

Great attacking footballers are people who make their own luck, and a lot of the time that just means knowing intuitively where to position yourself to take advantage of the breaks that come your way. It's also about keeping your head when you have those easy opportunities to tap one in (not always a given, as Nigeria has recently shown.) I think Sneijder has done both, in addition to his linking play — not sure what there's been to criticize so far.
brentonwalters

Well, I did say that he had good positioning, and yes, you make your own luck. I just haven't seen the other side of his game, the link-up play. I can't remember a spectacular or even exceptional pass he's made other than the one to Robben. RvP hasn't had good service, and neither Kuyt nor VdV have done much while the Dutch have had possession.
Drewsef

Agree about RvP service. It really is hard to tell if he's just having an off-tournament, or if all the “Oranje fight!!!” speculation in the media is on to something.
http://www.worldcupblog.org Daryl

I recorded a podcast interview with Netherlands blogger Jan just a few hours ago, and decided to ask him the question about Sneijder's contribution. You can listen to that here:

http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2010/podc...
http://www.facebook.com/people/Paulo-Monteiro/745558211 Paulo Monteiro

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http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=581375028 Matt Wright

Don't forget the UFWC is up for grabs too…
From here on the World Cup winners will also be crowned the UFWC – Undisputed best in the world!!
http://japan.worldcupblog.org/ Aidan

Got to love the UFWC – Almost 2 full years as champions for the Dutch now, and within reach of unifying the titles which has only happened a few times in the past.

Of course whoever wins the Final will uinify the titles now anyway…
Mike711

The Dutch should win this one, considering Uruguay are short-”handed” in their attacking options.
Baron_Rojo_NY

Let's go Uruguay !! Vamos Celeste !! .. Let's show the world “La Garra Charrua !!”. El Loco Abreu is no easy pickings. He is very strong on headers.

Toda Latinoamerica esta con uds…

Charruas 2 L'oranje 1… in ET.
uruguay_10

hey anything can happen. and 1-1 at half time. que golaso de hollandia y uruguay! both goals were great
http://www.atmcash.com Michelle

The dutch players were floppers against Brazil. And the referee was favoring them. I hope Uruguay kicks their b*** today and sends them back home.