Netherlands made it to the final of the World Cup for the third time in history after a thrilling 3–2 victory over Uruguay on Tuesday. The city of Cape Town, founded by the Dutch in 1652, is once again covered in orange, the national color of the Netherlands.
After the miraculous victory over Brazil in the quarterfinal, the Dutch people have really started believing in the possibility of their first World Cup title. The Dutch prince and his wife added their exuberant support for the team as spectators.
Yet, the victory by no means came easy, as some expected beforehand. The game was in perfect balance until captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst in his 105th international match powered in a magnificent 30-meter long range shot from the left side of the field to the top corner of the goal—simply unstoppable, and worthy of the goal of the tournament thus far.
Yet, the Uruguyans did not surrender and started taking control over the midfield and managed to reach their star player Diego Forlan who was pushing back into the midfield for additional support.
In the 41st minute, Dutch goalie Maarten Stekelenburg misjudged a long distance shot from Forlan that ended up in the middle of the goal. Faith was back with the Uruguay, despite the absence of striker Luis Suarez and central defender Diego Lugano. Before the break, it was Uruguay that had the momentum while the Dutch seemed to be gasping for air.
After the break play equalized once again and the match was there for the taking.
Once again it was Wesley Sneijder who stood up by scoring his fifth goal of the tournament in the 70th minute for Netherlands.
“You just got to shoot, when luck is on your side, they will go in,” said Sneijder to Dutch media. Sneijder might become the first player in history who wins the treble with his team Inter Milan (domestic league and Cup, and Champions League), and the World Cup with his country.
Three minutes later Arjen Robben headed in a cross from Dirk Kuyt that hit the inside of the post into the net.
At that time, the Dutch started to show their technical superiority but failed to entirely close down the game. Credit must be given to Uruguay who fought back with heart.
Robben neglected to find the net after a brilliant pass from striker Robin van Persie, which would have sealed the deal completely.
In injury time, Maximiliano Pereira scored a second goal for Uruguay after a cleverly executed free kick. This initiated a breathtaking final three minutes in which the Dutch had to fight like lions to keep the Uruguayans from sending it to extra time.
Netherlands now awaits the winner of Wednesday’s Spain–Germany match in the World Cup final on Sunday.
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