Holland 3 Uruguay 2

Tuesday, 06/07/2010

In Euro 2008, Holland had appeared to recapture the magic of the 'Total Football' brand of 1974 and 1978, which had taken Johann Cruyff and co to consecutive World Cup finals.

Having taken full points from a group involving France and Italy, many had described the Oranje as the best team in world football. Only for them to fall against Russia in the quarter finals.

This summer, Holland's style of play hasn't endeared them to the world - that has been Germany. Strangely, the teams appear to have switched styles, with Holland adopting a ruthlessly efficient approach.

But it has undoubtedly worked, and the greatest team to have never won the World Cup will finally get another crack at the world title their proud heritage deserves.

And the Dutch would love to inflict revenge on Germany in the final, having lost the '74 showpiece to Die Mannschaft, but that of course depends on the fate of a certain Spanish team.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst opened the scoring with a long-range effort, before Diego Forlan levelled up proceedings with his own effort from distance.

It both cases question marks can be raised over the respective goalkeepers.

Two quick-fire goals from Wesley Sneijder - taking him level with David Villa in the chase for the Golden Boot - and Arjen Robben after the break killed off a spirited Uruguay side, who will look back on their run with fondness. They did snatch a late consolation through Maxi Pereira, prompting brief hopes of a comeback, but it will be Holland who progress.

It wasn't the vintage Holland that we had perhaps expected at this tournament, but in a result business, the Netherlands have been getting it right consistently.

Goals:

van Bronckhorst (18)

Forlan (41)

Sneijder (70)

Robben (73)

Pereira (92)

Shoot Man of the Match: Wesley Sneijder

For reports of previous matches at the tournament go to the International section.

• 

• Have your say