Van Marwijk's a happy man

Holland boss Bert Van Marwijk is delighted to see the efforts of two years nearing fruition at the World Cup.

Goals from Gio van Bronckhorst, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben gave the Dutch a 3-2 semi-final victory against Uruguay at the Green Point stadium, with Diego Forlan and Maximiliano Pereira replying.

Van Marwijk said afterwards: "I'm so very proud that such a small country is in the final of a World Cup. It's difficult to get your head around. This is something we started working on two years ago. You really have to believe in something, and live it, to achieve something like this."

Dirk Kuyt was singled out as the epitome of the Holland team which won through to Sunday's World Cup final.

Van Marwijk said the Liverpool player displayed the selflessness which has allowed the Dutch to reach their first world final for 32 years.

He explained: "In the Netherlands there were quite a few debates about which players I should play. Dirk Kuyt, par excellence, is a team player.

"He is the example of a true and genuine team player. He's so focused, he's working so hard for the team and gives such a positive signal to the rest of the players. I'm so pleased with him."

Holland will now face a repeat of the 1974 final which Johan Cruyff's side lost to Germany if the Germans beat Spain in Durban on Wednesday night.

Van Marwijk said: "I don't think in terms of revenge. I remember the match in 1974 very well. I was still playing back then and we played a wonderful game against Germany.

"But we lost that game when we should have won it. We played well and we had a unique generation. Johan Cruyff was the best footballer I ever saw. But it's just great we are back in a final."