Uruguay vs. Netherlands (06.07.2010)

In one of the most enthralling encounters of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Uruguay and the Netherlands faced off in a semifinal match that promised to be a historic event for both nations. The stage was set on July 6, 2010, as both teams looked to edge closer to the ultimate prize in world football.

The match commenced with both teams trying to assert dominance, but it was the Netherlands who struck first. At the 18th minute, Dutch captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst scored a sensational long-range goal, giving the Netherlands an early lead. His strike from distance was a moment of pure class that left the crowd in awe.

Uruguay, known for their resilience, responded before the first half could conclude. Diego Forlán, the talismanic striker, leveled the score at the 41st minute with a beautifully curled shot from outside the box, beating the Dutch goalkeeper and renewing hope for the South American side.

As the second half began, the Netherlands made a tactical change with Demy de Zeeuw coming on as their first substitution at the 46th minute. This move proved instrumental as the Dutch started to control the midfield more effectively.

The 70th minute marked a pivotal point in the match when Wesley Sneijder found the back of the net. His goal took a deflection, wrong-footing the Uruguayan goalkeeper, and put the Netherlands ahead again. Three minutes later, Arjen Robben added to Uruguay's woes by scoring the third goal for the Dutch with his trademark cut inside and powerful shot.

Uruguay refused to give up, and they made a substitution at the 78th minute, bringing on Álvaro Pereira in an attempt to revive their fortunes. Diego Forlán, who was a constant threat throughout the match, was substituted off at the 84th minute, which seemed to signal Uruguay's last throw of the dice.

The match appeared settled until a late twist came in the 90th minute when Maximiliano Pereira gave Uruguay a glimmer of hope, scoring and narrowing the deficit. However, despite their best efforts, Uruguay couldn't find the equalizer. The Netherlands made their final substitution, taking off match scorer Arjen Robben at the 89th minute to help secure their lead.

The referee's final whistle confirmed the Netherlands' victory and their place in the 2010 World Cup final. This thrilling 3-2 result ended Uruguay's remarkable run in the tournament and the Dutch team marched on for a chance to lift the coveted trophy.

Lineup Uruguay

Lineup Netherlands

Substitutes Uruguay

Substitutes Netherlands

Uruguay

Uruguayan national football team is one of those national teams that can boast of having become world champions. The South American team did it twice in 1930 and 1950. They have also racked up great success in the Copa América, winning a total of 15 titles over time. They traditionally play their home games in light blue jerseys and away games in white.

Netherlands

Dutch national football team is one of Europe's leading national teams, having already won medals at the World Cup or the Euros on more than one occasion. The World Championship has brought them silver three times and bronze once. At the European Championships they have won one gold and four third places.

Do you want information about more matches?