Uruguay vs. Netherlands: The Future's Orange

Uruguay may be underdogs but that won’t earn them the support of neutral fans when they take on the Netherlands in the World Cup semi final.

It’s all about winning
The internet has been abuzz with Soccer fans raging about the handball committed by Luis Suarez against Ghana in Friday’s quarter final. The offense resulted in a red card for Suarez and a penalty for Ghana. Had the penalty been scored no-one would be talking about Luis Suarez today and we’d be sitting here celebrating Ghana making the semi final. Instead Asamoah Gyan missed and Uruguay won the subsequent penalty shootout. While that’s unfortunate, the over-reaction to the striker’s actions has been pitiful. Suarez was punished for denying a clear goal, he won’t play the semi-final. Ghana had a chance to make him pay but failed to do so.

Yes it’s a foul, yes it’s dirty and yes I felt sorry for Ghana. None of that should matter to a player when a place in the World Cup semi final is on the line. In that scenario you do whatever it takes to survive. The World Cup is not about the taking part, there’s no place for morals here; it’s lose and go home. His gamble paid off and it’s not Uruguay’s fault that Gyan choked at the moment of truth.

You have to like the Netherlands
While Ghana may have failed to get the job done, don’t bet against the Netherlands when the pressure is on. The Dutch came from a goal down to completely outplay Brazil in the second half and deservedly win 2-1. The Netherlands haven’t come this close to the title since 1978 and don’t expect anything less than a determined performance on Tuesday.

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The big World Cup betting question surrounding the Netherlands is who to back as a goal scorer. Robin van Persie has yet to deliver in this tournament and I don’t expect him to start now. Instead look for the attacking threat of Arjen Robben at +187 with Sports Interaction to make the breakthrough at some stage in this game.

Dutch can snuff out Forlan threat
While Uruguay beat Ghana on penalties without Luis Suarez, they won’t be able to manage without him for 90 minutes against the Netherlands. Suarez and Diego Forlan are the only serious attacking threats on the Uruguay roster. With Suarez missing the Dutch can focus all their defensive energy on smothering Diego Forlan. The Netherlands will press and disrupt Uruguay’s efforts to clear from defense and eventually the South Americans will crack. Bet on the Netherlands to progress and set up an all-European final.