Uruguay would have crept into the semi-finals fairly unnoticed in South
Africa, were it not for a huge slice of luck and an outrageous act of cheating
in the last eight, but they now face their toughest test to date and this could
well be the end of the road.
Luis Suarez's 120th minute goal line handball presented Ghana's Asamoah Gyan
with the opportunity from 12 yards to seal the Black Stars' place in the last
four on Friday night but the striker, a hero previously at World Cup 2010, was
unable to convert and there was no looking back for Uruguay in the subsequent
shootout.
There was only ever going to be one winner of the penalty competition that
followed after the 1-1 draw, given how events at the end of extra-time had
unfolded, and Sebastian Abreu's nonchalant chip sealed the South American's
place in the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time in 40 years.
Uruguay, two-time winners way back in 1930 and 1950, have been the side to
take advantage of a very kind quarter, given how the draw unfolded at these
finals, and that dramatic win against the Africans came after a nervy 2-1
triumph over South Korea in the last 16.
Oscar Tabarez's side had impressed in Group A however, qualifying ahead of
Mexico and without conceding a goal in three matches, and I'm sure Holland won't
be underestimating them with Diego Forlan, in particular, in such red-hot form.
Holland themselves emerged unscathed, and on top, of Group E following
comfortable wins over Denmark, Japan and Cameroon and they then brushed aside
Slovakia, 2-1, with the minimum of fuss in the second round.
The relatively uncompetitive nature of those four triumphs concerned me ahead
of their clash with Brazil in the quarter-finals but Bert van Marwijk's men
showed tremendous tenacity to rally from a goal behind and any doubts about
their resolution have surely now been banished.
Holland were outplayed in the opening 45 minutes against the tournament
favourites, and fell behind to a Robinho strike, but they really took the game
to the Samba Boys in the second period and two Wesley Sneijder efforts were
enough to see them through.
There was a lot to like about Holland's performance, they really got under
the skins of the Brazilians, who had Felipe Melo sent off, and perhaps this is
the year when they can finally land the biggest prize of all for the first time.
Having advised taking the 14/1 on offer about Holland way back in December
when the draw was made, I was delighted to see them progress and they now battle
for outright favouritism with both Germany and Spain who meet in Wednesday's
second semi-final.
Quotes of 4/6 with
Victor Chandler about Holland to win the tie with Uruguay in 90 minutes look
plenty short enough however, despite Suarez's inevitable suspension, and,
despite scouring the markets for the best value on offer, this really is the
time to sit tight.
Now no bigger than 9/4 to lift the trophy, also with
Victor Chandler, Holland will probably start slight underdogs for the final,
whoever the opposition, but, having dispatched the mighty Brazil, will now fear
nobody and the ante post wager is looking better and better by the day.
