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Uruguay vs. Netherlands
World Cup Semi-Finas
Odds – Analysis – Predictions
By
John J. Raspanti
7/6/10
We are down to the final Four as giant killer Netherlands takes on the scrappy and talented Uruguayans. In the quarter-finals Netherlands came from a goal back to shock mighty Brazil 2-1, in a match that saw them outplayed in the first half. Uruguay broke African hearts with a stunning victory over Ghana achieved through penalty kicks. Netherlands is slightly favored going into the match. Uruguay could be emotionally spent after their dramatic victory over Ghana, if so look for Wesley Sneijder (three goals in the Cup) and Arjen Robben to find some gaps in a defense that could be dragging a bit.
The Netherlands is a fairly hefty 3/1 favorite to advance to the finals at most sportsbooks. You can get a little better than 2/1 odds on the underdog, Uruguay. As always there are also loads of prop bets players can wager on for this match. Here are just a few of the offerings from 5dimes.com :
Half Time Correct SCore
Correct SCore
Double Result
Double Chance
Time of 1st Goal
Half With Most Goals
Winning Margin
Player to Score1st Goal
Team to Score1st
One can’t underestimate the Uruguay team, who showed tremendous character and grit against Ghana and…had a little bit of lady luck in their corner. The LUis Suarez controversy aside, if Asamoah Gyan had that free kick again…everyone knows he would nail it. Coach Oscar Tabarez’s team feels it’s their destiny to win their third World Cup.
Netherlands has a mixture of experience and youth and are very versatile and well rounded. They are on a roll right now…and they know it.
“We already had that feeling before the Tournament, that on Our day, we can beat every country in the world.” — midfielder Dirk Kuyt
Uruguay is very stubborn defensively, allowing only two goals in their five previous matches. Organized and very sound, they are rarely out of position or make silly mistakes. Diego Forlan has continued his fine play, adding another goal against Ghana along with a penalty kick. Regardless the Uruguayans will definitely miss the offensive prowess of Suarez who has complimented Forlan nicely. They are also somewhat hampered by injuries with Nicholas Lodeiro out while Captain Diego LUgano is questionable with a knee injury. LUgano has nothing but respect for the Dutch team
“They play an excellent passing Game and you can tell they are determined to win the trophy for the first time for the Netherlands. It’s going to be really tough”
Netherlands is not known for their defense but they have managed to get the job done throughout the Cup. Thirty five year old Andre Ooiijer has played very well on the back end showing considerable heart and soul. The Dutch will also be missing key players Nigel de Jong and Gregory van der Wiel but have enough quality and depth on their squad to replace both without missing a beat.
Both teams have experience and history on their side. As stated the Uruguay defense is outstanding and could prove to be a tough nut to crack…at least for awhile. The loss of LUis Suarez cannot be minimized. Netherlands has played very well during the entire cup, they feel their time is now and they are peaking at exactly the right time. Uruguay will battle but the Dutch should have enough depth and determination to get by the depleted Uruguayans.
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