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Netherlands' Arjen Robben celebrates with coach Bert van Marwijk at the end of their 2010 World Cup semi-final soccer match against Uruguay at Green Point stadium in Cape Town July 6, 2010. [Agencies] |
CAPE TOWN - The Dutch did not serve up a footballing master class on Tuesday but the tide of orange attackers still proved too much for Uruguay in the World Cup semi-final in Cape Town.
The Netherlands ended South American participation at the tournament with a 3-2 win at the Green Point Stadium but had to hang on desperately in stoppage time at the end of the match as Uruguay kept up a determined attitude throughout.
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Playing with up to four attackers at times, they had too much quality, skill and guile for an under-strength Uruguay and deserved their success.
But it was not until just before the final quarter-hour that they were able to put some distance between themselves and their opponents and even then still found they needed some grim defending at the end to stymie a potentially miraculous comeback.
The 18th minute goal from Giovanni van Bronckhorst came after the Dutch took the early initiative but the brilliant long range strike served only to see them reduce the intensity of their approach and allow Uruguay to find space on the counter attack, especially on the right side of the Dutch defence.
Diego Forlan's 41st minute equaliser was as equally speculative but underlined how the sudden loss of tempo put Dutch supremacy at risk.
Coach Bert van Marwijk sought to regain the upper hand with the introduction of the more attacking Rafael van der Vaart into a central midfield role after half-time.
It meant the Dutch could conjure up opportunities with a veritable posse of attackers.
In the end, as a chilly wind blew in over the stadium, the dominant Dutch were forced into some desperate tackling to keep intact their lead and ensure a place in the final for the first time since the last winter World Cup in Argentina 32 years ago.
