Tuesday’s WCup lookahead capsule

WCup lookahead capsule

Capsules for Tuesday’s semifinals match at the World Cup (FIFA rankings in parentheses):

The Netherlands made the semifinals with one of its biggest wins, a 2-1 comeback victory over Brazil, the tournament favorite and five-time world champion. Uruguay’s quarterfinal win came in a penalty kick shootout over Ghana after a 1-1 draw.

Netherlands: The Dutch got two goals from Wesley Sneijder, one of their biggest stars in the tournament, to upset the Brazilians. Robin van Persie has been cleared to play after injuring his arm, but the Netherlands will be without right back Gregory van der Wiel and defensive midfielder Nigel de Jong. Both are suspended after getting two yellow cards.

Uruguay: The Celeste were saved by the hand of Suarez in the quarterfinals. Striker Luis Suarez blocked a Ghana shot on the goal line with his arm in the final seconds of extra time. He drew a red card, but the ensuing penalty kick was missed and Uruguay won the shootout 4-2. Suarez is suspended for this match.

Notable Fact: Both these countries know their way around the World Cup final, but neither has been there in a long time. Uruguay won the first World Cup in 1930 and again in 1950. The Netherlands lost in 1974 to West Germany and 1978 to Argentina, both games on the home turf of the winner.