Uruguay vs Netherlands Match Preview

Posted Monday, July 05, 2010 by livesoccertv.com

"We've been at the party for long, now it's time to dance" were Abreu's words, showing how seriously was team's morale boosted after last week's victory. If Tabarez takes advantage of the momentum of his team, than the Europeans will have a tough match against the last standing South American.

Kings without crowns
Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder are performing at their highest after some absence in the first matches of this competition. "Uruguay's players are fighters and survival artists. They are a dangerous rival, I like the way the play" were Netherland's coach, Bert van Marwijk regarding this match. After drinking Carioca's blood the team is ready to claim his 25th match undefeated, knowing they're probably the favorite for the title at the moment.

The victory over Brazil left a bitter aftertaste, as Robin van Persie and Joris Mathijsen finished the game struggling with injuries: The first fell over his right arm and could not continue playing, while the latter experienced certain inconveniences warming up for last week's game forcing the dutch coach to find a replacement in the last minute. "None of the tests revealed any danger and both players are ready to perform against Uruguay" were the official declarations regarding their present.

Netherlands have only made it to the final two times, in 1974 and 1978, but the European squad has never been able to lift a World Cup. Team's coach recognized he and his players were dreaming with the title since the beginning of the qualifying stage, and he called to never underestimate the power of belief.

But not everything is a bed of roses for Netherlands. The team will have to do without midfielder Nigel de Jong and defender Gregory van der Wiel. There have not yet been any official declarations regarding the starting eleven, but thanks to his performance in the last minutes of the Brazilian match Klaas Van-Huntelaar might have a chance within the starting squad.

It's been almost two years since the Orange suffered its last defeat, and thus it's impossible to ignore they're the favorites for this clash. Uruguay's players should be exhausted after their last match, and the dutch are known by turning any minor detail into a loose advantage, as it was proven against Dunga's squad.

Pride and joy
"When pride is warranted, you can't keep from smiling...But I don't operate on pride. I was happy at the moment of victory against Brazil, but we still haven't won anything. We haven't succeeded in our mission yet. The target, to be crowned champions, is waiting two matches ahead." With these words Netherland's coach has shown the fierce determination that has taken them to the semi finals. Will Uruguay's Garra Charrua be enough to stop Netherlands from playing a final after 32 years?

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