Montevideo, Jul 7 (DPA): Despite the 3-2 loss by Uruguay to the Netherlands Tuesday at the World Cup, tens of thousands rushed into the streets of Uruguay's capital and other cities in the region to celebrate the achievement of their team.

It was the first time since 1974 that the small South American country with only 3.5 million people reached the semi-finals. Uruguay's two world championships - in 1930 and 1950 - span many a human lifetime.

"Pride. I feel pride. That as such a small country, we came so far. By playing decent, fair football and without any big names. Morally, we are already world champions," said a Uruguayan patriot.

The mood was at least as good as after the previous victories of the national team. Thousands of Uruguayans celebrated in the streets, calling over and over, "I am light blue, I am light blue!," a reference to the Uruguayan colours.

"Holland was no better!" and "Uruguay dominated play!" they called.

Uruguay's popular President Jose Mujica watched the game at a sport centre with 1,500 children and youth in Montevideo. Former players, ministers and presidential staff mingled at the affair.