World Cup Semi-Final Preview: Uruguay vs Netherlands

Before the tournament began, few would have predicted that Uruguay and the Netherlands would be meeting for a place in the final: the Dutch were considered solid but lacking the quality, especially defensively, to come through the predicted quarter-final with Brazil, whilst Uruguay were one of the less fancied South American teams. Now, not only are the only remaining unbeaten sides in the tournament, they are also just one match away from a place in Sunday’s final.

The Netherlands will go into this evening’s game as slight favourites, although will be taking nothing for granted against an Uruguay side likely to be galvanised by the criticism they have come in for following their controversial victory over Ghana in their quarter-final match. Luis Suarez has become the pantomine villain for his deliberate handball in the final minute of extra time and his subsequent misjudged touchline celebrations, and Bert van Marwijk’s side may well feel the backlash tonight.

Putting aside the rights and wrongs of Suarez’s actions, the more pressing point is the fact that Uruguay will miss his presence up front alongside Diego Forlan. The pair have three goals each to their name and Oscar Tabarez will be hoping that Suarez’s suspension does not disrupt his side’s attacking flow. Suarez is likely to be replaced by Sebastian Abreu, although Tabarez could opt to bring in an extra man in midfield.

It is not only going forward that Uruguay have impressed however, with a miserly concession of just two goals in five games highlighting their defensive strengths as well. However, they could be stretched if injuries to Diego Godin and Diego Lugano mean they have to miss out, along with fullback Jorge Fucile who is suspended. With that said, Tabarez has proved his ability to adapt having started the tournament playing three at the back before moving to a more regular back four, so he has the tactical nous to overcome these potential absences.

Tabarez is not the only one being forced to shuffle his pack however, with van Marwijk having to make at least two changes following suspensions to Gregory Van der Wiel and Nigel De Jong. Khalid Boulahrouz replaced Van der Wiel in the Netherlands’ final group game against Cameroon and is likely to deputise again, whilst van Marwijk has the choice of replacing De Jong with Stijn Schaars, a like for like replacement, or a more attacking option in the form of Rafael Van der Vaart.

Questions were raised about the Dutch defence coming into the World Cup, although they have been only marginally more generous than the Uruguayans thus far, with just three goals in the ‘against’ column all tournament. However, the back line did stutter somewhat against Brazil and their are weaknesses that can be exploited, in particular the lack of pace of their two full backs, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Boulharouz.

If the Oranje do give away anything at the back, they are likely to feel fairly confident of making up for it going forwards with an attacking line which has proved to be clinical in the tournament thus far. In Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder, the Netherlands have two players who have carried their superb club form into the World Cup and both have the potential to produce a game winning moment, and are ably supported going forward by the industry of Dirk Kuyt.

Sneijder has been the Dutch’s main goalscoring threat with four goals, although van Marwijk will also be hoping that Robin Van Persie can find his goalscoring touch having failed to hit form following his long absence through injury. His frustration has been clear (witness the tantrum after being substituted in the last 16 game against Slovakia), but now needs to repay the faith shown in term with some goals. Should he fail to do so, Klaas Jan-Huntelaar is a striker most coaches would be happy to have on their bench.

For the neutral, this is probably the least attractive of the two semi-finals, but it should have plenty to offer from two teams who have managed to strike the right balance between stoical defending and attacking flair. Most will expect the Dutch to proceed to the final, although should the burden of expectation prove too much then Uruguay will be ready to take full advantage.