World Cup 2010: Quick guide to Holland v Uruguay; Germany v Spain

Holland v Uruguay: Cape Town, Tuesday 7.30pm Potted history Uruguay have the best pound-for-pound record of all nations: 3.5m people, two cups (1930 and 1950), and three semis (1954 and 1970). Holland is one of just two nations - the other being Germany - to have lost two finals in a row (in 1974 and 1978). They've also made the semis twice (1998). Expectations "The euphoria back home is incredible," says the Dutch coach, Bert van Marwijk. The 20,000 Dutch expats in Cape Town may match that fever. The Uruguay coach, Oscar Tabárez, is playing it down. "Holland are favourites. It'll be difficult but not impossible." Key clash Both nations have been staunch at the back; Holland have conceded only three goals in five games, Uruguay just two. This match may hinge on which wily creative – Wesley Sneijder or Diego Forlán – makes the clever run or killer pass. Key decisions The suspended Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong may be replaced like for like with Stijn Schaars, though all-out attack is also an option: Rafael van der Vaart is on standby. Uruguay will either replace Luis Suárez with Sebástian Abreu or play an extra man in midfield. Germany v Spain: Durban, Wednesday 7.30pm Potted history Spain's World Cup history is dreadful. Their best finish was fourth in 1950, when they conceded 11 goals in a three-match final pool. They have reached no other semi-final. By comparison Germany have won the title three times; this is their 12th semi-final appearance. Expectations "A rival such as Germany works better for us than the one we had in Paraguay," says David Villa, hopeful Spain can finally match their pre-tournament hype against a more expansive side. Germany can relax, their young side having already met ambitions. Key clash Xavi is the world's most metronomic passer but can his play be broken up by the old-fashioned box-to-box energy of Bastian Schweinsteiger, who has so often disappointed in a Germany shirt but has been a revelation in this tournament? Key decisions Joachim Löw has few worries. Only Thomas Müller is suspended, and his place is likely to go to Piotr Trochowski. Spain must decide between two Fernandos: stick with Torres's impostor twin, or set the physical Llorente about Germany's rickety back line. • This article was amended on 5 July 2010. In the original, Holland was said to be the only nation to have lost two World Cup finals in a row. This has been corrected.