The first semi-final of the 2010 World Cup is a clash of the unbeaten teams of the tournament. The Netherlands coasted through to the quarterfinals with a 100% record. Uruguay did not win every match, since the team drew with France in the group stage and Ghana in the quarterfinal. On recent form, the Dutch would be favoured to advance to their first final since 1978. For the Uruguayans, in their first World Cup semi-final since Mexico 1970, they already exceeded expectations by reaching the semi-finals. However, one cannot discount their chances of reaching the final.
Head-to-head record - Netherlands versus Uruguay
Those who fancy the Dutch to win comfortably might be surprised to learn that The Netherlands never defeated Uruguay in an official senior game before. The two teams faced off four times in history, with the Uruguayans winning three and the Dutch winning just one match. The South Americans have a +3 goal difference against the Western Europeans as well, scoring six goals and conceding only three in those four games.
Current form
The Netherlands is in top form going into the semi-final. Even in the qualifying stage, they won every one of their games in a group that contained Scotland and Norway. The Netherlands also won all five games leading to the semi-final, including two knockout-round wins in regulation time - against Slovakia and Brazil. With the return of Arjen Robben from injury, and a line-up that contains Robin Van Persie and Wesley Sneijder, it is easy to see why the Dutch are favoured on current form.
Uruguay had a heavy emphasis on defence throughout the tournament, which is part of the reason they do not have a 100% win record. The South Americans will be without their top-scorer Luis Suarez in the match against Holland, since Suarez denied Ghana a late extra-time winner by handling the ball. Suarez's suspension likely means that Uruguay would play a counter-attacking game, which is their preferred option against dangerous opponents. Their reliance on Forlan indicates that they would have few chances against the Dutch and, if they take the lead early, would seek to frustrate their opponents - as happened against Mexico in the last group match.
Verdict
The game would be decided on tactics. The match is likely to be close, and the burden would be on Holland to break down the Uruguayan defence without exposing themselves to the counter-attack. The Dutch are favourites to prevail, but football fans can expect an attritional battle.
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