However, Maxi Pereira reduced the deficit to 3-2 to set up a tense finish, and their fighting qualities pleased their coach.

BBC: World Cup 2010: Tabarez proud despite Uruguay defeat

But Sneijder and Robben again made the difference for the two-time runners-up, who were left hanging on at the end following Maxi Pereira's injury-time reply.

BBC: Uruguay 2-3 Netherlands

Instead the Dutch faced a frantic finale when, in the 92nd minute, Maxi Pereira ran on to a quickly taken free-kick, turned Eljero Ejia and curled a precise shot into the bottom corner of the net.

BBC: Uruguay 2-3 Netherlands