RVP’s dream is still alive

Dutch star Robin Van Persie will be fit to take on Uruguay in the semi-finals of the World Cup on Tuesday. The Arsenal striker was a major doubt after injuring his left elbow in Oranje’s 2-1 quarter-final win over Brazil last Friday. But a scan on Sunday confirmed he would not have to miss the Cape Town showdown with the South Americans. A Netherlands spokesperson said: "It's good news for us. Van Persie trained but not with the group, so that he did not have any physical contact with the other players." Van Persie has only scored a single goal in South Africa (the opener against Cameroon) and is thought to be under pressure from young Hamburg star Eljero Elia for a starting berth. Meanwhile, in further good news for Holland, Hamburg defender Joris Mathijsen has also been cleared to face Uruguay, after overcoming a painful knee.