World Cup Diary – July 7

And it’s onto Soccercity, a magnificent stadium, for the Dutch. Their win in the semi finals was expected, but the manner in which it was achieved was far from easy. The Uruguayans played with a verve and energy which would have made them wonder what if Suarez and their first choice defenders were available?

However, the Dutch took control in the second half, and the final score of 3-2 gave an undeserved respectability to the score line. But even the last goal by Uruguay in the dying minutes of the game had a touch of class, and they leave this tournament having provided some enduring goals and play for the fans. As well as drama (Ghana, anyone?). I don’t think Suarez will be taking a pleasure trip to Accra anytime soon. In the absence of Suarez, Forlan had to shoulder most of the creative burden and for a while it looked like he can take the Dutch on all by himself. His goal was again well taken and he had a good chance from a free kick later on.

Ultimately, though, it is the Dutch who continue their unlikely, almost unnoticed, march to their first title. The first goal was a wonder strike from Van Bronkhorst, of all people. In the second half they were looking far from comfortable before Sneider shot from the edge of the area, a shot that went into the corner off a deflection. His fifth goal of the tournament. After this, Holland were dominant, and got a third a few minutes later, a wonderfully pinpoint pass from Kuyt which was headed in assuredly by Robben. They probably could have had one more, before the drama of the final few minutes.

Amazingly, Holland have reached this final playing a brand of practical football so different from their usual free flowing and attractive style of play. But those days never really branded the ultimate results, which is probably what their coach, Van Marwijk, had in mind before the tournament. Well, their fans aren’t complaining. But it will definitely be the toughest match of the tournament for them so far, with a date with Germany or Spain to look forward to.