Potted history
Uruguay have the best pound-for-pound record of all nations: 3.5m people, two cups (1930 and 1950), and three semis (1954 and 1970). Holland are the only nation to have lost two finals in a row (in 1974 and 1978). They've also made the semis twice (1998).
Expectations
"The euphoria back home is incredible," says the Dutch coach, Bert van Marwijk. The 20,000 Dutch expats in Cape Town may match that fever. The Uruguay coach, Oscar Tabárez, is playing it down. "Holland are favourites. It'll be difficult but not impossible."
Key clash
Both nations have been staunch at the back; Holland have conceded only three goals in five games, Uruguay just two. This match may hinge on which wily creative – Wesley Sneijder or Diego Forlán – makes the clever run or killer pass.
Key decisions
The suspended Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong may be replaced like for like with Stijn Schaars, though all-out attack is also an option: Rafael van der Vaart is on standby. Uruguay will either replace Luis Suárez with Sebástian Abreu or play an extra man in midfield.
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