URUGUAY are warming to their role as the World Cup’s pantomime villains ahead of today’s semi-final against the Netherlands (kick-off 7:30pm), despite suggestions that Oscar Tabarez’s side could face a frosty reception from fans in Cape Town.

HOLLAND'S success in a penalty shoot-out was enough to convince the Orange army that the European Championship trophy of 2004 will travel by barge through the picturesque canals of Amsterdam next week.