Holland focusing on semi final date with Uruguay

Holland has definitely hit the ground running after disposing of Brazil 2-1 in the quarterfinals and going five for five so far in the World Cup. That momentum will come in handy when the Dutch take on Uruguay at Cape Town on July 6 in the event’s first semi final match. Uruguay, who beat Ghana 4-2 on penalties in a dramatic and controversial game, seem to have fate on their side so far in the tournament, but have also played well enough to deservedly reach the last four.

Holland should have Robin van Persie back in the lineup after he injured his elbow against Brazil and defender Joris Mathijsen is also fit after missing the quarterfinal due to a knee injury. Defender Gregory van der Wiel and midfielder Nigel de Jong will miss the game though due to yellow cards.

Dutch manager Bert van Marwijk has warned his players not to be overconfident after beating Brazil as that game is now in the past. He added that Uruguay is a very strong team and that’s why they have made it as far as the semi finals. He said he has a lot of faith in his squad, but they need to focus on the next game only, not what they have achieved so far.

Uruguay will be without striker Luis Suarez as he is suspended due to the red card he received against Ghana for handling the ball on the goal line. Jorge Fucile will also miss the match due to a suspension for yellow cards. The absence of Suarez, who has three goals in the tournament, will definitely hurt the Uruguayans even though fellow striker Diego Forlan is also red hot with three goals.

To make matters worse, midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro is out for the rest of the World Cup due to a broken bone in his foot from the game against Ghana. Captain Diego Lugano has ligament problems in his right knee and could be back in time as should defender Diego Godin, who missed the quarterfinal.

Arjen Robben was effective against Brazil as he frustrated them time and time again, while the team’s leading scorer, Wesley Sneijder, with four goals, continued his excellent play at both ends of the pitch. Uruguay has been getting solid efforts from all of its players, but one can’t help notice they’ve also had some good luck on their side so far, especially by winning two games by penalty shootouts.

Uruguay vs Netherlands Odds and Predictions

This is a tight and evenly matched game, but Uruguay will sorely miss Suarez and that means everything’s going to fall squarely on the shoulders of Forlan. If Holland can keep Forlan off the score sheet Uruguay is going to have to get goals from somewhere else and that might be hard to do. Even if Forlan can beat the tight marking and bang one home, the Dutch should do enough to reach their third World Cup final by coming out on top 2-1. This pays 9 times the money at Bodog (US Friendly)

Holland and Uruguay have met just twice before with each team winning a game and scoring two goals. Bet365 has Holland listed as solid favourites to win with the odds being listed at 13/20. A win for Uruguay is posted at 21/4 and the odds of a draw after 90 minutes are 5/2.

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