Robben seizes final chance
Holland will have their chance to exorcise the ghosts of World Cup finals past on Sunday after beating Uruguay 3-2.
Goals from Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben secured a semi-final victory over Uruguay in Cape Town and a chance to avenge defeats on the game's biggest stage in 1974 and 1978.
Bert van Marwijk's side may not delight like the 'Total Football' Dutch teams from the playing days of Johan Cruyff. But having waited so long, the Oranje will care little for that as they prepare to bring their own glow to Johannesburg in a meeting with either Spain or Germany.
Captain Van Bronckhorst brilliantly put his side in front before former Manchester United star Diego Forlan levelled with a goal that ultimately was not quite enough, even though Maximiliano Pereira's strike gave a glimmer of hope in stoppage time.
Forlan was too isolated to cause Holland damage after Van Bronckhorst scored that stunning opener. And, with the clock ticking down towards half-time, there seemed to be little on when Forlan collected possession 40 yards out. But, offered space to advance into, he then delivered the kind of shot this hotly-debated Jabulani ball was made for, though big questions will be asked of goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.
Stekelenburg's part in the equaliser ensured Van Bronckhorst's opener was the better of two eye-catching first-half efforts. As with Forlan, there seemed no danger when the Dutch skipper receive possession on the left.
Due to retire when this tournament is over, the 35-year-old defender planted a fierce shot high to the goalkeeper's left, so far into the corner that it struck the inside of the post before finding the net.
Uruguay had not made their impact in South Africa through dazzling skill and unchecked flair. They are defensively aware and exceptionally well organised by wily old coach Oscar Tabarez.
Netherlands took their time to get about their task in the second period as Uruguay's defence threatened to hold firm, so it took a bit of good fortune to bring about a second goal.
Sneijder's shot deflected off Maxi Pereira, and past an off guard Robin van Persie, before flashing beyond the outstretched arm of Muslera and into the corner of the net.
Three minutes later, Robben rose to head home Kuyt's cross and the game looked over.
Uruguay did get a late second through defender Pereira's strike from the edge of the area and then besieged the Dutch goal. But they couldn't find a third to take the game into extra-time.
For Uruguay, the game was up. For Holland, the glory that proved so unobtainable all those years ago, is in reach again.
Forlan was too isolated to cause Holland damage after Van Bronckhorst scored that stunning opener. And, with the clock ticking down towards half-time, there seemed to be little on when Forlan collected possession 40 yards out. But, offered space to advance into, he then delivered the kind of shot this hotly-debated Jabulani ball was made for, though big questions will be asked of goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.
Stekelenburg's part in the equaliser ensured Van Bronckhorst's opener was the better of two eye-catching first-half efforts. As with Forlan, there seemed no danger when the Dutch skipper receive possession on the left.
Due to retire when this tournament is over, the 35-year-old defender planted a fierce shot high to the goalkeeper's left, so far into the corner that it struck the inside of the post before finding the net.
Uruguay had not made their impact in South Africa through dazzling skill and unchecked flair. They are defensively aware and exceptionally well organised by wily old coach Oscar Tabarez.
Netherlands took their time to get about their task in the second period as Uruguay's defence threatened to hold firm, so it took a bit of good fortune to bring about a second goal.
Sneijder's shot deflected off Maxi Pereira, and past an off guard Robin van Persie, before flashing beyond the outstretched arm of Muslera and into the corner of the net.
Three minutes later, Robben rose to head home Kuyt's cross and the game looked over.
Uruguay did get a late second through defender Pereira's strike from the edge of the area and then besieged the Dutch goal. But they couldn't find a third to take the game into extra-time.
For Uruguay, the game was up. For Holland, the glory that proved so unobtainable all those years ago, is in reach again.
MATCH SUMMARY
Man of the Match: Wesley Sneijder - It was not the most vintage of performances, and he needed a large slice of luck for his goal, but the midfielder once again showed the reason why Manchester United are reportedly planning a £25 million offer for the Inter Milan playmaker. Arjen Robben's final execution just let him down meaning Sneijder picks up the award.
Uruguay verdict: Although Uruguay set themselves up as a strong unit, with two men on Robben, they lacked a cutting edge up front with Luis Suarez suspended. Substituting Diego Forlan with six minutes to go said plenty about how Oscar Tabarez had run out of ideas, despite needing two goals in such a short space of time. Tabarez may wish he still had Forlan on the pitch as his side tried to get a late, late leveller.
Netherlands verdict: The Dutch may have stuttered at times but they were the better side. That said, Netherlands still have room for improvement ahead of a World Cup final against either Germany or Spain. Robben may be allowed a little more freedom in that game, which could hold the key to the Dutch triumphing for the first time.
Could do better: Maarten Stekelenburg - Despite having a good tournament before this game, the Dutch No.1 looked far from assured in this match. He was caught out by Diego Forlan for Uruguay's first, was caught in no man's land early in the second half and let Maxi Pereira's late effort past him far too easily. He will have to be on much better form on Sunday.
Stat attack: The last time a team scored three in a World Cup semi-final was 1982, when West Germany and France drew 3-3. (West Germany won on penalties).
