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

However, goals from Sneijder - allowed to stand despite Robin van Persie appearing to be in an offside position - and Robben restored the Netherlands' lead going into the final 15 minutes and Van Marwijk's men held on, despite Maxi Pereira's stoppage-time curler.

BBC: World Cup 2010: Van Marwijk 'so proud' of Dutch