Van Bronckhorst gives Netherlands 1-0 lead over Uruguay after 30 minutes of World Cup semi

After 30: Netherlands leads Uruguay, 1-0

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Giovanni van Bronckhorst scored one of the best goals of the World Cup to give the Netherlands a 1-0 lead over Uruguay after 30 minutes of their semifinal match Tuesday.

The 35-year-old Netherlands captain lashed a 30-yard shot with his left foot into the top corner in the 18th minute, capping a fine series of passes in the Dutch midfield.

Earlier, Dutch winger Dirk Kuyt volleyed over the bar from 15 yards in the fourth minute.

Uruguay started defensively without its suspended striker Luis Suarez, but played a bit more aggressively after Van Bronkhorst’s goal.

The winner meets either Germany or Spain in the World Cup final at Johannesburg’s Soccer City stadium on Sunday.