Netherlands' Demy de Zeeuw is kicked in the face by Uruguay's Martin Caceres. - Reuters Photo

CAPE TOWN: Dutch midfielder Demy de Zeeuw did not break his jaw during the Netherlands 3-2 World Cup semi-final victory over Uruguay, Dutch media reported on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old Ajax star – who had replaced the suspended Nigel de Jong in the starting line-up – had to go off at half-time as he still felt the effects of being unintentionally kicked in the face by Uruguayan defender Martin Caceres.

De Zeeuw, who would probably not start in Sunday’s final in any case as de Jong is expected to return, underwent medical examinations overnight in a hospital here and they revealed that he had not suffered a fractured jaw though his teeth were damaged.

The Dutch, who are bidding to lift the trophy for the first time, will play the winners of Wednesday’s semi-final in Durban between three-time champions Germany and European titleholders Spain, who have also yet to win the World Cup. — AFP