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Holland overcome resilient Uruguay to reach final
Updated On: 07 July, 2010 07:28 AM IST | | AFP
The Netherlands stormed into their first World Cup final since 1978 yesterday, beating Uruguay 3-2 to set up a title clash against either Germany or Spain.
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The Netherlands stormed into their first World Cup final since 1978 yesterday, beating Uruguay 3-2 to set up a title clash against either Germany or Spain.
Two goals inside three second-half minutes, from Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben, steered the Dutch into the decider and shattered South American hopes.
Veteran Dutch captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst gave his side the lead on 18 minutes with a stunning 35-yard strike before Diego Forlan produced an equally memorable goal four minutes before half-time to keep Uruguay alive.
Maxi Pereira got one back for Uruguay in injury time but it was too little too late.
The last time Holland made it this far was 32 years ago when they fell at the last hurdle to hosts Argentina 3-1 after extra-time.
Coach Bert van Marwijk will be desperate to avoid a similar fate in the final on Sunday as the Dutch bid to lift the World Cup for the first time in their history.
Despite losing, Uruguay did their small nation proud with coach Oscar Tabarez guiding them to their first semi-final in 40 years.
It was a massive achievement for a country with a population of just 3.4 million, and they must now put their disappointment behind them for a third-place play-off on Saturday.
The Netherlands came into the match as overwhelming favourites after winning all their games in South Africa to go with the eight wins out of eight notched up in qualifying. Both teams were forced to make changes with players suspended and in chilly conditions at Green Point Stadium it was the Dutch who adapted the best.
Two goals inside three second-half minutes, from Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben, steered the Dutch into the decider and shattered South American hopes.
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| Arjen Robben (left) and Dirk Kuyt celebrate after Netherlands made the final yesterday |
Maxi Pereira got one back for Uruguay in injury time but it was too little too late.
The last time Holland made it this far was 32 years ago when they fell at the last hurdle to hosts Argentina 3-1 after extra-time.
Coach Bert van Marwijk will be desperate to avoid a similar fate in the final on Sunday as the Dutch bid to lift the World Cup for the first time in their history.
Despite losing, Uruguay did their small nation proud with coach Oscar Tabarez guiding them to their first semi-final in 40 years.
It was a massive achievement for a country with a population of just 3.4 million, and they must now put their disappointment behind them for a third-place play-off on Saturday.
The Netherlands came into the match as overwhelming favourites after winning all their games in South Africa to go with the eight wins out of eight notched up in qualifying. Both teams were forced to make changes with players suspended and in chilly conditions at Green Point Stadium it was the Dutch who adapted the best.
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| Defender Martin Caceres (left) is inconsolable after Uruguay's exit in the semi-finals yesterday How do you like the new new mid-day.com experience? Share your feedback and help us improve. Trending StoriesLatest Photos |
