Cape Town cheered Uruguay's exit

The erstwhile colonial masters of South Africa were back in favour as locals lustily cheered the exit of African nemesis Uruguay at the hands of the Dutch in an event-packed semi-final at the Green Point Stadium.

Uruguayan genius Diego Forlan's flash of brilliance was not enough to quell the Orange tide as the Netherlands cast off the ghosts of the 1970s, leaving their legion of fans dreaming of that elusive World Cup trophy.

Los Celeste became enemy number one in the continent after 3-0 group win over South Africa, and a penalty shootout win over Ghana following that outrageous Luis Suarez 'hand of God' on the goal-line in the quarter-final.

Centuries ago, the Dutch seafarers colonised the Cape and then South Africa. The Dutch influence lingers all around, from the Afrikaans language to the names of the streets and mansions in this city.

Cape Town was painted orange last night as the Dutch cavalcade came in droves. 'Hup Holland Hup' went the cries of the fanatical hordes as they brightened up the waterfront of the city.

About 10,000 of them were Oranje Army fans, the renowned camping troupers who dress to the hilt in the national colours. And orange vuvuzelas to top it all.

Long after the final whistle, a dedicated band of Dutch supporters hung around the stands, singing songs saluting their heroes.

For this encounter, the Dutch had the solid support of the locals. Ghana was the team the locals were backing after South Africa's exit, but the manner in which Uruguay got past the last African side standing left a sour taste in many mouths.