Uruguay challenge European powers

Uruguay's coach Oscar Washington Tabarez arrives for a training session at the Sturrock Park in Johannesburg, July 3, 2010. [Agencies]

JOHANNESBURG - South America's sole survivor Uruguay stole the limelight on Sunday in their quest to surpass Europe's three World Cup semi-finalists and lift the trophy for the first time since 1950.

The tournament was taking a two-day break in matches.

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Yet there was no rest for Uruguay, Netherlands, Germany and Spain who trained, nursed injuries and studied tactics hoping for glory in a week's time at Soccer City stadium.

With South American big guns and media favourites Argentina and Brazil gone, several hundred journalists packed into a Johannesburg hotel to catch a word with Uruguay's players. They looked taken aback by all the fuss after a practice session.

"We know we are representing our continent," striker Edinson Cavani said, as journalists almost came to blows and had to be corralled by police in a chaotic crush to hear the Uruguayans.

"It is a responsibility, but it is also a huge source of pride. We believe we can do it for Uruguay, for South America."

Uruguay's joy at being in a semi-final for the first time in 40 years is tempered by the knowledge they face a dangerous Dutch side on Tuesday minus some important faces.

Uuruguay's in-form striker Luis Suarez is serving a ban for his controversial match-saving handball on the line against Ghana, while inspirational captain Diego Lugano said he may not be able to shake off a knee injury in time.

Uruguay's defender Jorge Fucile is also serving a suspension while midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro is out with a foot fracture.

Repeating their predecessors' 1930 or 1950 wins will be an extremely tall order for Uruguay, but belief is with them.

"History drives us on," said long-haired and lanky striker Sebastian Abreu, nicknamed "El Loco" (The Crazy One) by fans.

Netherlands, too, feel the weight of history, knowing brilliant past sides have all failed to land the big one.

They know they should win but are not complacent.

"This is a very dangerous game, they are fighters and we have to be very focused," Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk said of Uruguay's "La Celeste."