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Semifinals

Uruguay vs Netherlands

Wednesday

Spain vs Germany

Cape Town - Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has drawn up a plan to stop Netherlands forward Arjen Robben in their World Cup semi-final in Cape Town this evening.

Sebastian Abreu, hero of the shoot-out win over Ghana, said: "Tabarez has been talking to us about Robben and how to stop a player like him.

"But it’s always different when you are on the field.
"So we know how to do it but whether the actual execution actually comes off is another thing.”

A hamstring injury meant Bayern Munich winger Robben did not start a game for the Dutch at the tournament in South Africa until the second round win over Slovakia.

However, he is expected to be the key man as Bert van Marwijk’s side look to achieve a first World Cup triumph for the Netherlands.

Botafogo striker Abreu has been a crucial factor for the South Americans, having scored the goal that sealed Uruguay’s qualification for the finals.

He then audaciously chipped the crucial penalty straight down the centre to hand them a 4-2 win in their quarter-final shoot-out against Ghana.

It gave Uruguay their first semi-final place since 1970 but the towering striker said their experienced coach is making sure they do not rest on their laurels.

"Tabarez has asked us to concentrate fully, not just in the matches, but also in training,” added Abreu. "He is very satisfied with our work.

Uruguay has a proud World Cup history, having been the first hosts and twice winning the competition - one of only five countries with multiple victories.

But since finishing fourth in 1970, Uruguay have failed to go past the second round stage in four World Cup finals appearances.

Agencies