Uruguay 2-3 Netherlands
Goals~ Uru: Forlan'41, M Pereira'90+2; Ned: van Bronckhorst'18, Sneijder'70, Robben'73
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.
Note: Official MOM - Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands)
# 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).
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