Heitinga out to end pal Forlan's World Cup dream

CAPE TOWN — Dutch defender John Heitinga will be firmly in the spotlight here on Tuesday in the World Cup semi-final as he is assigned the task of neutralising Diego Forlan, the Uruguayans' most potent attacking threat.The 26-year-old Dutchman - who will win his 60th cap in easily the most important match of his career - will have one advantage in that he played alongside the former Manchester United striker for one season at Atletico Madrid before the defender moved to Everton.The two remain friends but Heitinga said that would count for nothing as the Dutch attempt to reach their third final, but first in 32 years and the Uruguayans look to move closer to recording their third triumph but first in 60 years."He (Forlan) is a really good player," said Heitinga."I have kept in touch with him since I left Atletico as Diego is above all a great bloke."Once I knew that our two countries would play each other in the semi-final, I sent a text message to my former clubmate. My message? 'It is going to be one hell of a match Diego!'".Heitinga, Dutch player of the year in 2008, said that he faced an enormous challenge in the shape of Forlan, who has blossomed after a difficult spell at Manchester United with first Villarreal and then at Atletico."Atletico Madrid owe him their victory in the Europa League (Forlan scored both their goals in the 2-1 win in the final over Fulham)," said Heitinga."He is a god both at Madrid, as well as with Uruguay and this World Cup proves it."Forlan's importance to the side has been illustrated by his three goals in South Africa, including a stunning freekick against Ghana in the quarter-finals."Diego is as good with both feet and therefore impossible for a defender to predict what he's going to do. And it is imperative not to allow him time to shoot even from distance, because he possesses one of the best shots on the planet."Heitinga, who made his name at Ajax before moving to Atletico, said that Forlan was not the only danger to the 'Oranje's hopes of reaching the final, but he wa

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