Soccer News of Monday, 31 May 2010

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Cautious approach from Holland against Ghana

Holland coach Bert van Marwijk will take no risks with his squad in their penultimate World Cup warm-up match against Ghana in Rotterdam on Tuesday.

Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben had been troubled by a hip problem, but did join in with the rest of the 23-man squad in a training session at their Austrian altitude camp ahead of the departure for Rotterdam on Tuesday morning.

"We will have to look at it," Van Marwijk said.

"Arjen has a little bit of a problem with his hip. It is not serious, but in the run-up to the World Cup, we want as little risk as possible."

The Dutch - who cruised through their qualifying campaign - beat Mexico 2-1 on Wednesday with a brace from Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, fit again following a serious ankle injury.

Van Persie will continue to be monitored following a minor scare when he turned his ankle during training and needed an ice pack.

Like Robben, who helped his German club side reach the final of the Champions League, Van Marwijk is anxious to have the Arsenal forward - sidelined for five months earlier in the season - firing on all cylinders for the opening Group E match against Denmark in Johannesburg on June 14.

Holland will also face Japan and then Cameroon in their last group match, which is why tomorrow's clash was selected with African Nations Cup finalists Ghana, and finalise their preparations against Hungary at the Amsterdam ArenA on Saturday.

The Black Stars - who will be without Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien because of a knee injury in South Africa - have been based in Paris.

Coach Milovan Rajevac intends to give all his players - including Portsmouth's Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sunderland's John Mensah and Fulham defender John Pantsil - the chance to stake their claim for the opening Group D encounter against Serbia in Pretoria on June 13.

"All will get the chance during the warm up games. We would try some things and give opportunities to all," he said.

"It is important to try some options and check on the every detail."

Ghana - who also face Australia and Germany in the finals - will conclude their friendly fixtures against Latvia in Milton Keynes on June 5 before flying out to South Africa.