CAPE TOWN (BNO NEWS) — Despite a last minute goal from Maximiliano Pereira, The Netherlands on Tuesday proceeded to the World Cup final after a 3-2 win over Uruguay.

A thrilling game it was. First, 18 minutes into the game, 35-year-old Giovanni van Bronckhorst from the Netherlands came up with an absolute screamer, sending a stunning left-foot drive into the top corner, just flicking the fingertips of Uruguay’s Fernando Muslera, on its way into the postage stamp.

Van Bronckhorst was about 20 meters away when he made the first goal of the World Cup semifinals. It hit the post, along the upper corner, and then entered.

But then, 40 minutes into the game, Uruguayan captain Diego Forlan silenced the Dutch when he scored a goal – putting the score at 1-1. He picked up the ball about 32 meters from the goal, got into a central position, and flew the ball into the Dutch goal with a left-foot shot. It appeared to take Maarten Stekelenburg by full surprise.

It remained 1-1 for a while, but 70 minutes into the goal, Dutch favorite Wesley Sneijder found his way to the net. And then, just three minutes later, Arjen Robben scored a magnificent third goal for the Netherlands.

It appeared certain that the Netherlands would proceed to the World Cup final. But Uruguay picked up their game and – 90 minutes into the game – Maximiliano Pereira scored a sudden second goal. But, the effort proved to be fruitless.

Uruguay was unable to score a third goal and – after three minutes of injury time – the game was decided: the Netherlands will face either Germany or Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday.

It will be the first time since 1978 that the Orange team placed themselves into the World Cup final. During the 1978 World Cup, the Netherlands lost from Argentina in a 3-1 game.

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