Twice before the Dutch have reached the game's greatest game. But in both 1974 and 1978 they finished devastated and beaten.

After tonight's 3-2 victory over Uruguay in Cape Town they can have another go. And Kuyt is determined this time it will be different.

"We are so close to writing history," said the Liverpool forward. "This is the third time we have reached the final. Now we have to win it.

"What has happened is unbelievable. It is a bit unreal.

"We felt before the tournament we had the quality in the team to win it and after a long journey we are in the final. It is an incredible feeling."

Kuyt provided the cross for Arjen Robben's crucial third goal for the Dutch.

Captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst had put his side in front midway through the first half, only for Diego Forlan to bring Uruguay level before the break.

For a long time in the second half it appeared Uruguay may spring a surprise.

However, two goals in three minutes dashed those hopes, Robben's header following Wesley Sneijder's fifth goal of the tournament that draws the midfielder level with David Villa in the battle to be crowned the Golden Boot winner.

"This is unforgettable," said Sneijder, who has already completed the Serie A, Italian cup and Champions League treble in an incredible season with Inter Milan.

"It was a tough fight and toward the end we complicated matters.

"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."