Surprise candidates Netherlands look to depose another South American team as they take on Uruguay in the first semi-final at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. Brazil were the overwhelming favorites to be in this position, but a strong 2nd half performance led by midfielder Wesley Sneijder has given
La Oranje a unique opportunity to reach their first Final since 1978.
Uruguay had a hard-fought and controversial match against Ghana in the Quarterfinals to come this far. Forward Luis Suarez committed an intentional handball in the 120' that would ultimately force the game into penalties. Uruguay came out victors, but will be without a key player in Suarez against Netherlands.
Semi-finals: Uruguay vs. Netherlands
Date: 6 July, 2010 - 20:30 CET
Stadium: Green Point Stadium - Cape Town
Referee: Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan)
Uruguay:
Keeper: Fernando Muslera
Defenders: Andre Scotti, Diego Lugano, Maximiliano Pereira, Mauricio Victorino
Midfielders: Diego Perez, Egidio Arevelo, Alvaro Fernandez, Nicolas Lodeiro
Forwards: Diego Forlan, Edison Cavani
Manager: Oscar Tabarez
Injured: Nicolas Lodeiro
Booked: Luis Suarez, Jorge Fucile
Netherlands:
Goalkeeper: Maarten Stekelenburg
Defenders: Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Joris Mathijsen, Johnny Heitinga, Khalid Boulahrouz
Midfielders: Wesley Sneijder, Mark van Bommel, Demy de Zeeuw, Arjen Robben
Forwards: Robin van Persie, Dirk Kuyt
Manager: Bert van Marwijk
Injured: Joris Mathijsen
Booked: Nigel de Jong, Gregory van der Wiel
Weather in Cape Town is expected to be cloudy with a chance of rain, around 16 degrees. Uruguay will have their fair share of boos from most (African/Netherlands) fans after Luis Suarez's handball knocked the last African team out of contention. Uzbekistani referee Ravshan Irmatov will officiate the match.
Last meeting: 15.06.1974, Uruguay - Netherlands 0:2
Wins Uruguay: 0
Wins Netherlands: 1
Draws: 0
Neither team can be counted out as both came from behind in the quarterfinals to secure their semi-final berth. However, Uruguay will be without perhaps their best player and Netherlands desperate to reach the finals after years of underachieving. Expect La Oranje to be in the lead at the end of 90 minutes.
You will find the best odds for a Netherlands win at
Betfair,
Tipico and
Bwin.
