World Cup:Netherlands midfielder Demy de Zeeuw was taken to hospital with a suspected broken jaw after their 3-2 World Cup semi-final win over Uruguay last night.
However, an examination showed only loose teeth and he was able to return shortly afterwards to join the rest of the celebrating Dutch squad, a team spokeswoman said.
De Zeeuw got an accidental kick in the jaw from Uruguay's left back Martin Caceres just before the half-hour mark leading to the Dutchman's substitution at the break. The spokeswoman added that De Zeeuw had briefly been knocked out by the blow but there was no lasting damage.
Dirk Kuyt is confident the Dutch are finally about to reach the end of their long journey to World Cup glory. Beaten finalists in 1974 and 1978, the Dutch get their third shot at football's greatest prize at Soccer City on Sunday when they will tackle either Germany or Spain.
And Kuyt is determined to ensure it is third time lucky for the 'Oranje'.
"After a long journey we are in the final," said the Liverpool star. "We are so close to writing history. This is the third time we have reached the final. Now we have to win it."
Kuyt admitted it was difficult to put his emotions into words at the final whistle. Holland had gone in front thanks to a blistering strike from captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst, only to be pegged back by Diego Forlan just before half-time. For a decent period in the second half, the South Americans looked the more likely winners.
However, just as it appeared there was no way through for the Dutch, Wesley Sneijder's incredible year took another twist when he threaded a shot through a crowd of bodies and into the Uruguay net.
Three minutes later, Kuyt crossed for Arjen Robben, whose precise header also went in off the post, before Maximiliano Pereira netted a late consolation goal for Uruguay.
"What has happened is unbelievable. It is a bit unreal," said Kuyt. "We felt before the tournament we had the quality in the team to win it but now it is an incredible feeling."
For Sneijder, the emotions are magnified. The midfielder may be a contender for the world player of the year prize after following up his superb treble-winning club campaign with Inter Milan by scoring five times on Holland's march to the final.
He has now drawn level with Spain's David Villa in the race for the Golden Boot, although he accepts the prize the team will compete for this weekend is the biggest of all.
"It was a tough fight and toward the end we complicated matters," he said. "But on Sunday we play in the World Cup final. I have to get used to that. We are so close. There is nothing bigger than the World Cup."
Uruguay striker Forlan has revealed that he was not 100 per cent fit. The Atletico Madrid hitman was substituted with five minutes to play and he admitted that he was not at this best during the clash after going into the semi-final tie with a tendon strain.
"I have had a problem with my tendon, this has been going on for a couple of days already and I wasn't really in the game," he said. "I thought warming up before the game I was going to be at my best, but it wasn't like that for me."
The former Manchester United star says he was gutted not to be at full fitness and laid the blame on a grueling season which has seen him play 67 games.
"This was the most important match of my career and I wasn't 100 per cent fit, I feel bad that I wasn't able to give my best," he added. "I'm tired, my body couldn't give any more. I have played 67 matches this season and it has just been too much."
