Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez believes his men could pull off a shock victory against the Netherlands in Tuesday’s first World Cup semi-final (Uruguay 5/1, draw 13/5, Holland 8/13 – 90 Mins Betting) in Cape Town.
The South Americans have been the surprise side in the tournament to date and, with a favourable draw, have reached the last four of the world’s greatest sporting event.
They eased into the knock-out phase with victories over South Africa and Mexico, before moving past South Korea and Ghana to set up the clash with the Dutch.
The Uruguayans possess some talented individuals, but have been mainly praised for their team ethic and the way they work for each other.
Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan has been in excellent form for the South Americans at the tournament with three goals to date, while striker partner Luis Suarez, who is banned for the semi-final, has also bagged three.
Tabarez feels that his players must be right at the top of their game to compete with a Dutch side who have swept all before them in South Africa so far, but believes it is unwise to write his charges off just yet.
“We’re here for a reason,” he said. “People started sending us their condolences when the draw was made. We rebelled against that.
“We began to dream and now we have an opportunity to make our dream come true. World Cups are full of results that no-one really expects. I don’t see why it should be so surprising that one of our dreams comes true.”
Tabarez added: “We’ll go out there with enormous faith and do everything it takes to win. We don’t throw the towel in before playing. We’ll have to play a perfect match, but that’s also possible.”
The coach has adopted a siege mentality going into Tuesday’s match, after Suarez was accused of cheating following his hand ball against Ghana.
He refused to answer some questions at Monday’s press conference and would not reveal the make-up of his side as he has earlier promised to do.
But he did take time to point out that fit-again midfielder Arjen Robben will be the danger man for the Dutch, who are hot favourites to move into the final to play the winner of the Germany v Spain semi-final.
Robben is a player who can unlock defences with his skill and the former Chelsea man is the 11/2 second favourite to be first goalscorer against Uruguay with Arsenal’s Robin van Persie the 4/1 favourite.
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