The 23-man Netherlands squad to travel to South Africa was named by coach Bert van Marwijk. Two defenders, Ron Vlaar and Vurnon Anita, failed to make the final cut as did midfielder Orlando Engelaar whilst Jeremain Lens will not feature in the forward line.

Liverpool pairing Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt provide two of the six British-based players with Manchester City’s Nigel de Jong and Arsenal’s Robin van Persie joining them alongside John Heitinga (Everton) and Edson Braafheied (Celtic).

Of the European-based players, Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben has been in fine form after winning the domestic double with his team (and teammate Mark van Bommel) and reaching the Champions League final only to lose to Inter Milan who are represented by midfielder Wesley Sneijder. Sander Boschker is rewarded for a Eredivisie-winning season with new Dutch champions FC Twente.

Ghana and Hungary will shortly provide the final friendly opposition before the tournament begins. The matches will help van Marwijk finalise his starting eleven as the Dutch set out to try and win what would be their first ever World Cup. Despite success at the European Championships, the ultimate prize has so far eluded them.