Daniel Teo zooms in on the players' performances in the semi-final clash between Netherlands and Uruguay.
Netherlands: Maarten Stekelenburg - 6.5
He can blame the Jabulani for all he wants, but the Dutch keeper could have done better to stop Forlan's long-range shot. Else, he had a pretty good game, keeping out several dangerous Uruguay crosses.
Khalid Boulahrouz - 6
The right-back fulfilled his defensive duties well, contributing to his side's attack with a couple of dangerous crosses into the Uruguay's penalty area.
John Heitinga - 5.5
The Everton defender was fooled by the decoy of Cavani which gave Forlan all the space in the world for a shot at goal, which Stekelenburg could not stop.
Joris Mathijsen - 7
Had yet another rock solid performance at the Dutch backline. Can't remember an occasion when he lost the ball.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst - 7
Who would have expected the Dutch left-back to score one of the best goals of the World Cup with an absolutely stunning long-range shot that found the top right-hand corner of the net to give his side the lead.
Dirk Kuyt - 7.5
Had a fantastic chance to fire his side into the lead during the early stages of the game but could only blaze his shot over the bar. Another industrious and effective game by the Liverpool man.
Mark van Bommel - 6.5
Had a solid and assuring game in midfield. Did well to track back and win the ball on several occasions.
Wesley Sneijder - 8
My man of the match. He was the engine of the Netherlands once again. Scored a fortuitous goal to restore the Dutch advantage.
Demy de Zeeuw (Off 45') - 5.5
Was given a kick in the face by Caceres' bicycle kick. Taken off at half-time as he was probably too shaken by the kick.
Arjen Robben (Off 89) - 7.5
Again posed great danger to the opponent's defence with his pace and direct runs. Did well to stay on his feet more often this match. Scorer of the Netherland's third goal.
Robin van Persie - 6
Had yet another quiet and disappointing game.
Substitutes:
Rafael Van der Vaart (In 45') - 6
Was brought in for De Zeeuw at half-time but had an uneventful game.
Eljero Elia (In 89') - N/A
Uruguay
Fernando Muslera - 6.5
Could do nothing to prevent all three goals, particularly Van Bronckhorst's goal as no goalkeeper in the world could have saved it.
Diego Godin - 5
The left-back struggled to contain the threat posed by the Dutch attacks.
Mauricio Victorino - 6
The defender was given a tough time by the quick and clever Dutch attacks.
Walter Gargano - 5.5
Struggled against the quicker and more creative Dutch midfield.
Maximiliano Pereira - 6
The right-back was constantly rampaging down the right wing. Gave Uruguay hope with a late goal from a set-piece.
Martin Caceres - 6
Performed a spectacular bicycle kick in the first-half but found de Zeeuw face instead. Ouch. Normal duties wise, was solid against the wing threat from Robben in the first-half but not in the second.
Diego Perez - 5
Found it hard to get past Van Bronckhorst, who marshaled him well.
Alvaro Pereira - 6.5
Found some joy on the left wing but couldn't get any useful balls into the area.
Egidio Arevalo - 5
Lost most of the 50-50 balls in midfield and failed to impose himself on the game.
Edinson Cavani - 6.5
Was instrumental in Forlan's goal, acting as a decoy to allow Forlan space to shoot. Toiled up front to no avail.
Diego Forlan (Off 84') - 7.5
The Uruguay talisman did it again with yet another spectacular effort to give his side the all important equalizer but it was not enough to send his nation into the World Cup final.
Substitutes:
Sebastián Fernández (In 84') - N/A
Sebastián Abreu (In 78') - N/A
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