International Friendly: Robin van Persie's goal helps Netherlands beat Ghana

Robin van Persie scored his 43rd goal for the Netherlands

Rotterdam, June 1 (IANS) In a friendly match in Rotterdam the Netherlands beat Ghana 1-0 in an encounter between two FIFA World Cup participants.

Dutch head coach Louis van Gaal named his definite World Cup squad earlier on Saturday and for the first time he could line-up his best players, Xinhua reported.

The Netherlands started with the probable WC line-up with Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie in front and Wesley Sneijder as playmaker.

This threesome of star players proved lethal in the 5th minute. Sneijder set up a combination with Robben and crossed to Van Persie, who netted his 43rd goal for the Dutch national team.

Robben also wasted a good opportunity and his second chance was saved by goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey. After twenty minutes the Dutch storm ceased and the Dutch hardly created any more opportunities. Ghana, which started without several key players, didn't test the Dutch defense as well.

In the second half the first danger was caused by Sneijder curling just wide after fifteen minutes. In addition, Nigel de Jong and Robben tested Kwarasey, with Ghana having some ball possession leading to only some minor chances in the final minutes.

Before leaving for Brazil June 5, the Netherlands will play Wales in Amsterdam June 4. Ghana moves to the United States to conclude their preparations and will play their final warm-up match against South Korea in Miami June 9.