Uruguay vs Netherlands: World Cup 2010 Preview and Prediction

Published by William | Filed under Fifa World Cup South Africa 2010, Predictions, Previews

Kaká will need to step it up a notch if Brazil plans on claiming their 6th World Cup.

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7/6 19:30 GMT Uruguay vs Netherlands – Odds | Stats


We are down to the nitty gritty of World Cup 2010 South Africa as only 4 teams remain in the latest edition of the World’s most special sporting event. The Netherlands defied the odds last Friday as they were able to defeat world football powerhouse Brazil 2-1 thanks to some inspired play by Wesley Sneijder (and Felipe Melo, for that matter). Meanwhile, Uruguay came out on top against Ghana as they turned in one of the most dramatic and controversial finishes of this year’s World Cup. The gloves will be coming off this Tuesday as the Flying Oranje look to win their first World Cup while La Celeste go for their unlikely 3rd.





Netherlands:


While they did so quietly throughout much of the tournament, the Netherlands have pretty much dominated all of their competition and now find themselves right where they wanted to be in the semifinals. Their true colors showed as they used strength, gut, and grit to overcome an early 1-0 deficit against Brazil, compliments of a Melo-to-Robinho goal, and send the arrogant Selecao home to contemplate who they are going to hire next to take over the most difficult job in all of football. For anyone who questioned the Dutchies skill before, they can go ahead and wrap it up because it’s clear that they are ready to prove that they are among the best in the World. Leading the Flying Oranje into the semis is none other than Wesley Sneijder, who has taken this squad on his shoulders much like he did all season long for the treble winners, Inter Milan. Sneijder first created the much needed equalizer against Brazil as his creative cross found the back of the net after a mixup between Felipe Melo and Julio Cesar. Then later in the second half, it was Sneijder again whose header put the Dutchmen ahead off a corner headed from Dirk Kuyt. Along with Sneijder, the Dutchmen have also received quite a boost from Arjen Robben who, despite missing the first couple matches as a result of injury, has given trouble for all defenders on the right wing as he constantly threatens to cut it inside where he is most dangerous. These 2 Champions League finalist midfielders will be able to say they’ve had quite a year if they can cap this one off with a World Cup. In injury news, Joris Mathijsen is expected to return after missing the Brazilian clash with a non serious knee injury. However, Gregory van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong will not be featuring as they serve suspensions after receiving yellows in Friday’s win.


Uruguay:


Uruguay is by far the most surprising team of the tournament as they came one game away from not qualifying all the way to the semifinals. Their run has been truly amazing and fun to watch for all. However, not to take anything away from South Korea or Ghana, they are set to face their biggest test yet in the Netherlands. Uruguay themselves have been pretty dominant throughout the tournament and had their closest call last Friday against Ghana. Forward Luis Suarez, who has been instrumental in Uruguay’s success, controversially handled a sure goal in the closing seconds of the quarterfinal, resulting in a red card and a penalty for Ghana that would have ended the game on the spot (no pun intended). However, Asamoah Gyan clanked his penalty off the bar and gave Uruguay new life, enough to go on and claim victory in penalty kicks. As a result of his self proclaimed “hand of god“, Suarez will be suspended for Tuesday’s semifinal. Also, Diego Lugano and Diego Lodin are both questionable after suffering injuries while Nicholas Lodeiro is out with a fractured right foot.

Hopefully there will be none of this on Tuesday.

Prediction:


Netherlands are heavy favorites (Average Odds of 1.62) in this one and after handily defeating Brazil, they deserve it. However, do not discount the Uruguayans. They clearly have luck on their side and they will be fighting as hard as you can expect on the back of prolific goalscorer Diego Forlán. El Celeste will fight and keep it close but expect Netherlands to be punching their ticket to the finals when the final whistle blows.


Pick:


Netherlands 2 – 0 Uruguay


Bet of the Match:


Netherlands at 1.70 from Interwetten






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