World Cup 2010, Netherlands Vs. Uruguay: Giovani Van Bronckhorst, Diego Forlan Rockets Have Game Even At Half

Two moments of brilliance have speckled an otherwise evenly played first half to take Uruguay and the Netherlands into halftime tied at one.

Giovani van Bronckhorst’s 18th minute goal from near 30-yards out went into the upper-right hand corner of goal, hitting off the top of Fernando Muslera’s left post and going in to give the Dutch a 1-0 lead.

While the Dutch would go on to have most of the half’s possession, they were unable to meaningfully test Muslera beyond their left back’s goal, allowing Uruguay to come into the match over the last 20 minutes. Through the right flank, with Edinson Cavani, the Uruguayans were able to generate a number of half-chances.

In the 42nd minute, Diego Forlán, slightly against the run-of-play, pulled Uruguay even when he let go of a 26-yard, left-footed shot that went off of goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg’s left hand and into the net. It was Forlán’s fourth goal of the tournament.

The Netherlands have held 58 percent of the possession and generated two shots on goal (to Uruguay’s three), spending more of their time on their left flank, trying to attack right back Maxi Pereira. Throughout the half, coach Bert van Marwijk has switched wingers Arjen Robben and Dirk Kuyt, playing Robben on his uncustomary left side and moving Kuyt right.