DIRK KUYT has received special praise from Bert van Marwijk after helping Holland reach the World Cup final.

The Liverpool forward crossed for Arjen Robben to clinch the winning goal in a 3-2 win over Uruguay in Monday’s semi-final in Cape Town.

Kuyt has played in all six of Holland’s games in South Africa and is a certain starter in Sunday’s final in Johannesburg.

Van Marwijk was his manager for a season at Feyenoord after signing Kuyt from Utrecht in 2003.

The Dutch coach then spent two years with Borussia Dortmund before returning for a second spell at De Kuip stadium by which time Kuyt had joined Liverpool. Van Marwijk replaced Marco van Basten at the helm of the national team two years ago and was delighted to be reunited with Kuyt.

The Liverpool player has been a virtual ever-present during Van Marwijk’s successful reign and now the manager has singled Kuyt out for his selfless workrate which has helped the Dutch to reach their first World Cup final for 32 years.

“In the Netherlands there were quite a few debates about which players I should play,” said Van Marwijk.

“Dirk Kuyt, par excellence, is a team player. He is the example of a true and genuine team player. He’s so focused, he’s working so hard for the team and gives such a positive signal to the rest of the players. I’m so pleased with him.”

Holland reached consecutive World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978 only to lose to the host nation on both occasions - West Germany and Argentina respectively.

They will now face Spain on neutral territory this weekend and Kuyt is urging the Dutch to make up for past disappointments and become world champions.