The last obstacle to a European side lifting the 2010 World Cup was a good side, but not the continent’s strongest. Uruguay has lifted the World Cup twice, but the last time was in 1950.
Holland were clear favourites in their last four clash with Uruguay and opened the scoring in the 18th minute, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s long-range shot leaving the keeper with little chance. But Uruguay hit back and former Manchester United forward Diego Forlan also scored from range just before the break.
Holland began the second half in spirited fashion, but missed a number of chances before Wesley Sneijder scored, the ball running through Robin Van Persie and the Uruguayan defenders to nestle in the net.
Three minutes later, Arjen Robben headed in a third, rising well. But Uruguay scored in injury time, Maxi Pereira curling a shot in, to set up a frantic last minute or so.
Sunday’s final, where Holland will face Spain, will be the third time the Dutch have played in a World Cup final, losing to West Germany in 1974 and Argentina in 1978. Both times their opponents were hosts.
Author: Georgiy Saralidze exclusively for VK
