Netherlands vs Ghana preview

May 30, 2014
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Netherlands vs GhanaThe 2014 World Cup participants Netherlands and Ghana meet at De Kuip in Rotterdam as the two coaches aim to test their players ahead of naming the final squads for the tournament finals.

The tournament in Brazil will be the last one for Louis van Gaal before he takes over the reigns at Old Trafford and no doubt the experienced coach will be looking to sign off in style.

His charges eased off to World Cup qualification, but with the team failing to live up to their potential at Euro 2012, they will have a lot to prove in Brazil.

After losing to France back in March, Oranje could only muster a 1-1 draw with Ecuador some two weeks ago, but they remain 1.57 (4/7) favourites to defeat Ghana.

Louis van Gaal has already stayed without Rafael van der Vaart, who was forced to pull out through injury, while the good news is Paul Verhaegh has recovered from an ankle problem.

Jean-Paul Boetius, Karim Rekik, Quincy Promes and Tonny Vilhena have rejoined the squad after playing for the Under-21 side against Scotland.

Louis van Gaal is likely to stick to his 5-3-2 formation, although Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben should be recalled after missing the Ecuador game.

Probable starting line-up (5-3-2): Vorm – Verhaegh, Vlaar, De Vrij, Martins-Indi, Blind – Clasie, de Jong, Sneijder – Van Persie, Robben.

Ghana impressed at the 2010 World Cup, narrowly missing out on a semi-final berth, but they failed to impress at the 2013 Africa Cup of nations, finishing in fourth place.

The Black Stars hammered Egypt in the play-offs to qualify for the tournament in Brazil, but their first friendly fixture did not go as planned.

Ghana were beaten by Montenegro back in March and the Netherlands game will be one of just two international friendlies ahead of the tournament finals.

And with star players Kevin-Prince Boateng, Michael Essien, Kwadwo Asamoah, Asamoah Gyan and brothers Ayew all present, there may be some value in backing the Black Stars at 7.50 (13/2) offered at Betfair.

Kevin-Prince Boateng may not start after joining the squad few days ago, but Mohammed Rabiu has declared himself fit despite rumours of injury.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Dauda – Opare, Akaminko, Boye, Asamoah – A. Ayew, Muntari, Essien, Atsu – J. Ayew, Gyan.

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