Netherlands vs Uruguay: Probable Squads

In the first semi final of World Cup 2010, Netherlands and Uruguay are facing each other tonight (6 July) at Cape Town. Players of both sides do not want to bother about their strength on pen and paper; rather they just want to give their best on the field.

Netherlands is going to miss influential holding midfielder Nigel de Jong for picking up two yellow cards. In his absence, Ajax midfielder Demy de Zeeuw would be deployed with the holding role in the midfield.

In the defense, there would be two changes as Joris Mathijsen would start in place of André Ooijer, who was deputizing for injured Mathijsen against Brazil, and Khalid Boulahrouz would come in for suspended Gregory van der Wiel. Mathijsen has already shaken off his knee injury and is fit enough to start against Uruguay tonight. Except these three, it is less likely that Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk would bring any more change in his first eleven.

Netherlands follows 4-2-3-1 formation where the back four is shield by two defensive minded midfielders. Robben and Kuyt play on the right and left wings respectively with Wesley Sneijder playing the creative role in the middle. Robin van Persie, who has got over the minor elbow problem, would be playing up front.

Uruguay would also have to deal with suspension and injury problems. The South Americans would miss center back Diego Lugano due to his knee injury and Mauricio Victorino is most likely to partner Godin at the heart of the defense. Attacking midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro is also out of the clash with a fractured bone in his right foot.

Uruguay would also miss their in-form striker Luis Suarez for picking up a straight red card against Ghana. Defender Martin Caceres is also missing the semi final match due to suspension.

Though Uruguay usually plays in 4-4-2 formation, in the absence of Suarez, coach Oscar Tabarez could feature 4-2-3-1. Defense would feature Mauricio Victorino, Diego Godín, Maximiliano Pereira and Martin Caceres. Diego Pérez and Walter Gargano would be at the center of the midfield. Diego Forlan would play as a second striker or attacking midfielder with Egidio Arévalo and Alvaro Pereira occupying the two wings. Cavani will play up front.

Netherlands First Eleven (Probable)

Stekelenburg, Boulahrouz, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Bronckhorst, Bommel, Demy de Zeeuw, Sneijder, Robben, Kuyt, Robin van Persie

Uruguay First Eleven (Probable)

Muslera, Victorino, Godín, Pereira, Caceres, Pérez, Walter Gargano, Arévalo, Alvaro Pereira, Forlan, Cavani

With both sides missing some key players means there should be a balance in the match and it could be an enjoyable showdown for the football fans.