18' NED Van Bronckhorst (0-1)
21' URU M. Pereira (YC)
29' NED Sneijder (YC)
29' URU Caceres (YC)
41' URU Forlan (1-1)
70' NED Sneijder (1-2)
73' NED Robben (1-3)
78' NED Boularouhz (YC)
90+2' URU M. Pereira (YC)
90+4' NED Van Bommel (YC)
This was the best game both sides have played, with the Dutch showcasing their free-flowing Total Football, and El Celeste showing their resiliant, never-say-die attitude. The match was highlighted by 5 brilliant goals (most notably skipper Van Bronckhorst's), a couple of which highlighted some farcical goalkeeping.
URU Verdict: Probably the best game they've played (outside of dominating South Africa and, holding the line against France, and showing Mexico what was up, and that handball!), Uruguay played another very solid game, and will very well deserve the 3rd or 4th place they will be getting.
NED Verdict: The best match the Dutch have played, they were able to run circles around the steady Uruguayan defense (who was without Lugano and Fucile). Stekelenburg did not look great in goal, but hopefully his mids and forwards can keep him out of trouble by maintaining possession.
Man of the Match: Giovani Van Bronckhorst (NED)
Germany 0-1 Spain
73' ESP Carlos Puyol
The marquee semifinal matchup proved to be just that. The 2008 European Championship ended up with the same result, thanks to a dazzling header from Carlos Puyol. Both sides played remarkably, but the Spanish, for the first time this tournament, decided to show up.
GER Verdict: When they had the ball, they nearly scored on many occasions, but were denied by some good last minute challenges and quality saves by Iker Casillas. The Germans would have indeed liked to play for the final, but their team is very young, and Die Mannschaft's time will come.
ESP Verdict: Well kids, this is what we were waiting for. after 5 lacklustre performances from the reigning European Champions, La Furia Roja finally showed up, and no better time to do so. Taking on a ferociously dominant German side, The Spanish played their brand of football, dictating possession and tempo. Xavi found his touch again, combining with the likes of Iniesta, Pedro, and many others to form precise formations around the Germans, eventually seeing Puyol's run on a corner kick and putting the ball at the perfect spot at the perfect time, almost at will.
Man of the Match: Xavi (ESP)
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