Ivory Coast under pressure

Ivory Coast are likely to start without playmaker Bonaventure Kalou in today's World Cup tussle with the Netherlands in Stuttgart.

The experienced striker featured in the opening Group C match against Argentina, a 2-1 defeat, but was criticised by the media for his performance and is expected to give way to the fit-again Aruna Dindane.

The Ivorian fans and media believe their team can still have a successful campaign despite the losing start.

"Our people should reduce their enormous expectations," Kalou told reporters.

"Netherlands have a better team. We are the newcomers."

The Ivorians have strength in depth among their forwards in the shape of Kalou, Dindane, Didier Drogba and Arouna Kone.

Henri Michel's side must, however, make sure they do not leave themselves exposed at the other end against a Dutch side full of classy forwards.

Winger Arjen Robben produced arguably the best individual performance of the tournament so far in the Dutch team's 1-0 triumph over Serbia & Montenegro in Leipzig on Sunday.

The darting runs of Robben are backed up by the talented Robin van Persie and top goal poacher Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Coach Marco van Basten says his side will focus on their strengths rather than dwell on the attributes of the Ivorians.

"We have seen Ivory Coast in several matches, including the African Nations Cup earlier in the year," said Van Basten.

"They change line-ups and styles so often it is no use trying to make adjustments. We will play our own game and my team knows exactly what to do."

Probable teams

Netherlands (4-3-3): 1-van der Sar; 14-Heitinga, 13-Ooijer, 4-Mathijsen, 5-van Bronckhorst; 18-van Bommel, 20-Sneijder, 8-Cocu; 17-van Persie, 9-van Nistelrooy, 11-Robben.

Ivory Coast (4-4-2): 1-Tizie; 21-Eboue, 4-K. Toure, 3-Boka, 12-Meite; 5-Zokora, 2-Akale, 19-Y. Toure, 15-Dindane; 18-Keita, 11-Drogba.

Referee: Oscar Ruiz (Colombia).