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Netherlands vs. Uruguay: A Look Ahead

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Photos by ISIphotos.com

The World Cup resumes this afternoon with the Netherlands and Uruguay doing battle in one of the semifinal matches.

Uruguay, still alive thanks to the "Hand of Suarez," will have its depth tested with a whole cast of starters unavailable for the match.

The Dutch, who battled back from a deficit to shock Brazil in the quarterfinals, are the favorites, as Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben look to bring the Oranje within reach of their first World Cup championship.

Here is Ives' Fox Soccer preview of the match. As you might expect, most people see the semifinal as a major mismatch.

Do you agree? Which team do you see winning today's semifinal? Cast your vote here:

Give the preview a read and feel free to share your thoughts and predictions for the match in the comments section below (and be sure to follow our live commentary on the match later today).

Comments

  1. This thing has all the signs of an epic upset:
    – Dutch confidence turning to implosion if Uruguay grabs and holds a lead for long
    – A depleted squad playing for pride
    – Deadly sniper and inspirational veteran like Forlan making a difference
    – Uruguay already having out performed expectations and guaranteed a shot at 3rd could come in loose
    – Boring, safe soccer once again trumping the beautiful game at the World Cup

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  2. Uruguay is tough, but they have not played anyone in this tournament who come close to the calibur of the Dutch. Additionally, several of Uruguay’s top players will be missing due to suspension/injury. They’ll hang tough for awhile, but will eventually be dismantled by the Orange Army.

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  3. Uruguay is a very tough team – only allowed 2 goals through 5 matches. So I don’t think Holland will roll in this one. They have struggled to score, winning 5 games, but only one by multiple goals. I could easily see 1-0, 2-1, or even penalties in this, but Holland should prevail.

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  4. The great thing about the World Cup is that there are no sure things. But this game is about as sure as it gets. Holland are going all the way.

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  5. Having followed the Dutch since the 74 World Cup, and growing used to being let down, I see the usual pattern repeating itself. I think that they will finally show up today with their beautiful game and absolutely thrash Uruguay by a score of 4 – 0 (or worse). Then, they will play tough in the finals, only to lose by a goal to their arch rivals, the Germans.

    But, I’ll shout it while I can … “Hup, Holland!”

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  6. There are a ton of storylines with these final four teams. If Uruguay makes the final it will be the first time since the early days, when they won their world cup titles.

    If the Netherlands win it sets up a first time champion with a Spain win or a renewal of their rivalry with Germany and a rematch of the 1974 final.

    Reply

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