Uruguay's World Cup semi-final against the Netherlands marks a return to the big time for one of South America's most decorated teams.

Uruguay won the World Cup in 1930 and 1950, but last reached a semi-final in 1970 when the team finished in fourth place.

This year's success has come as a surprise - Uruguay finished fifth in the South American qualifiers and needed a playoff win against Costa Rica to scrape into the finals.

Coach Oscar Tabarez said the progress was "difficult to take in" and called the semifinal against the Netherlands "very difficult but not impossible."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP