The Dutch will be looking to warm up for their World Cup adventure in style.

Kick-Off: Wednesday, May 26, 20:00 CET.

Badenova-Stadion, Freiburg, Germany.

Looking Ahead To World Cup

Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk made a controversial decision in leaving out former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy from his provisional squad. This hasn't gone too well in certain quarters but the Dutch national squad is brimming with quality and talent upfront.

The Netherlands had a sensational World Cup qualifying campaign, winning their group with a 100% record. Although it has to be said that the Dutch didn't really have the best of teams in their group, winning each of the eight games is not an easy feat.

The Dutch have been drawn with Denmark, Cameroon and Japan in Group E for the World Cup and will be eager to use these friendly internationals as preparatory matches.

The last time the Oranje played an international match was in March against the USA, whom they defeated 2-1 at the Amsterdam ArenA.

Recovering From England Defeat

Former Atletico Madrid coach Javier Aguirre took over the Mexican national team in April 2009 after Sven-Goran Eriksson was given his marching orders. He started with a 2-1 defeat to El Salvador but the 51-year-old has since led ‘el Tri’ to the World Cup finals in South Africa quite comfortably. Mexico also won the 2009 Gold Cup under his guidance.



Aguirre had led Mexico to three successive wins in friendly games until Monday's defeat to England at Wembley. Mexico had defeated Senegal, Angola and Chile but went down 3-1 to the Three Lions in London.

However, it must have been a good experience playing one of the stronger sides in the World Cup finals and indeed the Mexicans should be looking forward to taking on the Netherlands in Germany.

It is likely that Mexico will lose the match but for a side that will have to confront South Africa, Uruguay and France in the group stage in South Africa, playing stronger opponents such as England and the Netherlands is a good practice ahead of the tournament.







FORM GUIDE

Netherlands

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)

September 9: Scotland 0-1 Netherlands (World Cup qualifier)

Mexico

May 24: England 3-1 Mexico (Friendly)

May 16: Mexico 1-0 Chile (Friendly)

May 13: Mexico 1-0 Angola (Friendly)

May 10: Mexico 1-0 Senegal (Friendly)

May 7: Mexico 0-0 Ecuador (Friendly)



TEAM NEWS

Netherlands

Van Marwijk has some injury concerns. Liverpool striker Ryan Babel picked up a hamstring injury during the training camp in Austria and won't be able to play against the Mexicans. Defender Ron Vlaar is also being plagued by hamstring problems and is doubtful.



PSV midfielder Ibrahim Afellay picked up a knock after a collision with Andre Ooijer during a training session earlier this week, but he should be able to play. However, Van Marwijk could hand some youngsters the chance to prove their worth before announcing the confirmed Oranje squad on Thursday.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Stekelenburg; Boulahrouz, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Braafheid; De Jong, Schaars; Kuyt, Van der Vaart, Afellay; Van Persie

Mexico

Javier Aguirre is likely to put a strong side against the Netherlands. Giovani dos Santos, who started against England on Monday evening, could start yet again and so would the Manchester United-bound forward Javier Hernandez.

Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Ochoa; Aguilar, Osorio, Rodriguez, Salcido; Juarez, Marquez, Torrado, Dos Santos; Vela, Hernandez.



PLAYERS TO WATCH

Robin van Persie (Netherlands)

The Arsenal forward is rated as one of the best players on the planet but the 26-year-old missed a large chunk of the 2009-10 campaign with injuries. However, the former Feyenoord attacker, placed 103rd in the Castrol Rankings, appears to have gained 100% fitness and he will be drafted into the starting line-up against Mexico on Wednesday.

Giovani Dos Santos (Mexico)

The former Barcelona striker has had a awful two years in club football but he was excellent against England on Monday. Dos Santos is one of the most gifted players of Mexico and he will be looking to express that talent on Wednesday evening with his runs and crosses.

PREDICTION

The Netherlands should win this match. However, the Oranje will have to be careful not to take Mexico's attackline casually.

Netherlands 3-1 Mexico



Netherlands team news given by Stefan Coerts



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