Holland and Ivory Coast play each other in the fourth game of Group C at the Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion, Stuttgart, and a win for the Oranje would see them through to the knockout stages along with Argentina. A victory for the Elephants of Ivory Coast would throw the chase for second place wide open.

However, Holland coach Marco van Basten is taking nothing for granted in what promises to be an intriguing encounter: "During the African Nations Cup, they changed their players and their system quite a lot, so it is difficult to know how they will approach this game,” van Basten said. "I guess we will only truly know when we see their team sheet. But what they definitely have are players who are used to being in big leagues in England and Spain. They are strong individually and collectively and we know it is going to be a very tough game for us."

Chelsea’s 22-year-old frontman Arjen Robben promised the best was yet to come after scoring the winning goal against Serbia and Montenegro: "I'm happy with the way I played. I can play even better but, especially in the second half, it was so hot,” said Robben. "It was suffocating on the field. So we had to choose our moments and sometimes take a rest and let the ball do the work. The important thing is the three points."

Dutch captain Edwin van der Sar is expected to be fit for the game despite missing training on Tuesday. The Manchester United goalkeeper injured his calf in the 1-0 victory over Serbia and Montenegro but van Basten says he should be fine.

"He does have a problem but it is very minor and I am sure he will be available," said van Basten.

Marc van Bommel is also expected to start having recovered from a slight knee injury.

Midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has fully recovered from an ankle injury, but is expected to stay on the bench as van Basten sticks with the same eleven who won on Sunday.

In a match that Ivory Coast have to win, the Elephants coach Henri Michel is aware of the dangers posed by Robben and strike partner Ruud van Nistelrooy.

"We know the quality of this Dutch side. The key area is in midfield, where they compliment each other very well and are very efficient. And we all know, of course, about the attacking qualities of the side."

Talking of Van Nistelrooy, Michel said: "We know his qualities. He can always score if the ball comes near his feet, so we just have to make sure he doesn't get the ball."

Michel spelt out the situation for his team: "The problem is simple, a defeat against Holland will send us home," he said on Thursday. "I hope we didn't come to the World Cup to go back home so quickly. This match is extremely important for us because we are not in the best position [after losing to Argentina]."

Ivory Coast are expected to make one change to the side that lost 2-1 to Argentina. Aruna Dindane is expected to line-up alongside Chelsea's Didier Drogba in attack, taking the place of Bonaventure Kalou.

Holland (probable): Van der Sar, Heitinga, Ooijer, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst, Van Bommel, Sneijder, Cocu, Van Persie, Van Nistelrooy, Robben.

Ivory Coast (probable): Tizie, Eboue, Toure, Boka, Meite, Zokora, Akale, Yaya Toure, Dindane, Keita, Drogba.

Referee: Oscar Ruiz (Colombia)

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