The Netherlands looked very impressive in the first half of their 2-1 win against Mexico in a friendly international last week. Arsenal striker Robin van Persie scored twice in the opening 45 minutes but in the second half Bert van Marwijk's side struggled at the back and conceded a goal.
However, the Oranje will be hopeful of their chance in the World Cup finals and will be looking to defeat Ghana on Tuesday. The Dutch side will confront an African team in the form of Cameroon in Group E in the World Cup and they will be looking to use the match against Ghana as a preparation for the real test.
Making A Mark
Ghana have already been dealt a blow ahead of the World Cup as key midfielder and inspiration Michael Essien has been forced to withdraw his participation because of injury. Indeed, this could alter the way in which the Black Stars play on the pitch and could make it tough for them in Group D which is comprised of Germany, Australia and Serbia.
However, Ghana do have other very good players and they will be looking to exhibit just that when they confront the Netherlands on Tuesday. Moreover, they reached the final of the African Nations Cup earlier this year and will be looking to carry that form and rhythm into the World Cup finals.
FORM GUIDE
Netherlands
May 26: Netherlands 2-1 Mexico (Friendly)
March 3: Netherlands 2-1 USA (Friendly)
November 18: Netherlands 0-0 Paraguay (Friendly)
November 14: Italy 0-0 Netherlands (Friendly)
October 10: Australia 0-0 Netherlands (Friendly)
Ghana
March 3: Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1 Ghana (Friendly)
January 31: Ghana 0-1 Egypt (African Nations Cup)
January 28: Ghana 1-0 Nigeria (African Nations Cup)
January 24: Angola 0-1 Ghana (African Nations Cup)
January 19: Burkina Faso 0-1 Ghana (African Nations Cup)
TEAM NEWS
Netherlands
A number of players have left the training pitch with minor knocks over the past couple of days but nothing serious has been reported so far. Winger Arjen Robben has a hip problem and is likely to rested against Ghana on Tuesday.
Ryan Babel missed the match against Mexico due to a hamstring injury but has regained match fitness. Joris Mathijsen has a minor knee problem but will almost certainly start.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Stekelenburg; Van der Wiel, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst; De Jong, Van Bommel; Kuyt, Sneijder, Van der Vaart; Van Persie
Ghana
Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac released his final 23-man squad list on Sunday that did not include Eric Addo and Laryea Kingston. Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien was excluded because of injury.
Rajevac has yet to decide on his final starting line-up and has said that he will give chances to everyone in the warm-up matches. However, he is likely to use Asamoah Gyan and Prince Tagoe as the front two against the Netherlands.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Kingson, Inkoom, Addy, Vorsah, Pantsil; D. Boateng, K.P. Boateng, K. Asamoah, Muntari; A. Gyan, Tagoe
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Robin Van Persie (Netherlands)
The Arsenal striker scored a brace against Mexico and seems to have recovered his full form. Van Persie is going to be a very vital player for the Oranje at the World Cup and he will be looking forward to maintaining his good form against Ghana on Tuesday too.
Kwadwo Asamoah (Ghana)
The Udinese midfielder is expected to start against the Netherlands at Rotterdam on Tuesday and he is going to a vital player for the Black Stars. Asamoah is coming off a good season with the Serie A side in which he expressed his all-round abilities in both attack and defence. The 21-year-old will be a key player in pushing the Ghana players into the Dutch penalty area.
PREDICTION
Ghana will be a different test from Mexico and are likely to be more physical too. However, the Dutchmen have craft and creativity in abundance and if they can keep it tight at the back, then the Oranje should come out unscathed.
Netherlands 2-0 Ghana
