2010 World Cup: Netherlands Slip By Uruguay, Reach Final

The Netherlands are back in the World Cup final after an absence of 32 years. Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben secured the win for the Dutch team as they scored three minutes apart from each other in the second half en route to a 3-2 victory over Uruguay in their semifinal match on Tuesday at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town.

Giovanni Van Bronckhorst gave Netherlands the early lead in the 18th minute but Diego Forlan equalized for Uruguay in the 41st minute. Uruguay, who were without striker Luis Suarez, held their ground against the Dutch offense in the second half, until Sneijder and Robben took over the match. Sneijder gave Netherlands the lead for good with a left-footed shot in the 70th minute before Robben ensured the Dutch’s first trip to the final since losing to Argentina in 1978 with a cross from Dirk Kuyt three minutes later.

Uruguay refused to go away without a fight, though, as Maximiliano Pereira scored in injury time. However, Netherlands were not to be denied as Maarten Stekelenburg completed a great save late in the match to set off the Oranje celebration.

The Oranje will face the winner of the other semifinal between Spain and Germany.