Netherlands reach first World Cup final since 1978

Uruguay 2 Forlan 41', Pereira 91'

Netherlands 3 Van Bronckhorst 18', Snijder 70', Robben 73'

The Netherlands had taken the lead after 18 minutes when a wonder strike by veteran captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst scored with a beautiful dipper from 35 yards.

Uruguay initially took some time to settle but slowly got into the game and equalized on 41 minutes with a fantastic shot from 28 yards by Diego Forlan which beat Dutch keeper Stecklenburg although he got a touch to the vicious stinger.

The game appeared headed for extra time when the Dutch struck again on 70 minutes. A seemingly innocuous shot by Snejder crept past Muslera with Van Persie in a dubious offside position.

However there no doubts on the third goal just three minutes later. An inch perfect cross by Kuyt found Robben whose equally perfect header sailed against the past and beat a rooted Muslera.

Uruguay looked beaten but set up a grand finale in stoppage time when Pereira reduced the deficit with a perfectly worked free kick move. But it was the Netherlands' day in Cape Town where they now move on to Soccer City on Sunday to meet the winners of tomorrow's semi final between Spain and Germany.