It was an intense action packed game, the 2010 World Cup semifinal between the Netherlands and Uruguay. With great previous World Cup records, both of these teams have rich football heritage. However, coming into Green Point Stadium in Capetown, the Dutch were the heavy favorites. The Netherlands celebrated their success in the South African city where Dutch roots have been engraved since the 17th century, after winning 3-2 at the end of 90 minutes of regulation play. Previously reaching the 1974 and 1978 finals, the Netherlands advanced to their third World Cup Final.

Due to suspensions, both teams missed some key players. The Netherlands missed Nigel De Jong in the midfield and back end, while Uruguay did not have the striking power from Luis Suarez. Captain Diego Forlan
on his shoulders had to carry all of the expectations and hopes for Uruguay. Meanwhile, in the important victory, the Dutch had several players that were actively involved.

the first goal of the match was scored by Dutch captain Giovanni Van Bronckhorst to give his team a 1-0 lead. Uruguay’s Goalkeeper Muslera had no chance of saving it when he fired a long range shot with his left into the top corner of the goal, at the 18th minute. A magnificent left foot goal of his own was scored by Uruguay’s star Forlan in the 41st minute, to tie the game 1-1.

Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder in the 70th minute, scored a goal that took some deflections from Uruguay’s defenders. To give his team a 3-1 lead, the skilled Dutch maestro Arjen Robben scored a header only three minutes later, and secure a spot in the World Cup final. However, as Pereira scored a goal in stoppage time to make it 3-2, Uruguay’s “never die” character was proven once again. to keep their lead, the Dutch were under heavy pressure in the final moments of the game. The Dutch team and fans all over the world burst with joy after a few nervous minutes.

The second match of the 2010 World Cup will feature Uruguay and France of Group A. It will take place in Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa, at 2:30 p.m. ET on June 11.

In the decorated histories, France and Uruguay have faced each other just one other time. Many of the same players will be involved, however the match took place fairly recently. The friendly ended in a scoreless tie.

With no clear favorites, Group A will likely be very competitive. South Africa is the lone “seeded” team featured in the group and has won only received seeded status because they are the host nation. The top team with regards to FIFA’s world rankings is tenth-ranked France. However, to win Group A based on ESPN’s Soccer Power Index ratings, Uruguay is the slight favorite.

Uruguay is led by forwards Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, and is currently ranked 18th by FIFA. On their respective clubs (Forlan for Atlético Madrid, Suarez for Ajax), both players were outstanding. They have been able to translate that success to international play, with both of them placing in the top five in goals and assists.

Finishing second in group behind Serbia, France was unimpressive in their qualifying run. After controversial win over Ireland in which France scored the winning goal after wing Thierry Henry kept the ball in play with his hand before crossing to William Gallas who headed it in, they ended up qualifying.

Oscar Tabárez coaches Uruguay, who usually uses the standard 4-4-2 but will sometimes go with three in the back to keep the ball up field. Raymond Domenech coaches France, who runs a conservative possession-based offense.

Since the retirement of star midfielder Zinedine Zidane, who led them to the 1998 World Cup and was a three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, this will be France’s first World Cup match without him.