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 earlier this week.

“Netherlands have a better team. We are 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 lineups 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: 1-Edwin van der Sar (110-0); 14-Johnny Heitinga (19-2), 13-Andre Ooijer (20-2), 4-Joris Mathijsen (9-0), 5-Giovanni van Bronckhorst (58-3); 18-Mark van Bommel (38-7), 20-Wesley Sneijder (24-5), 8-Philip Cocu (98-10); 17-Robin van Persie (11-1), 9-Ruud van Nistelrooy (52-27), 11-Arjen Robben (21-7).

IVORY COAST: 1-Jean-Jacques Tizie (25-0); 21-Emmanuel Eboue (12-0), 4-Kolo Toure (43-1), 3-Arthur Boka (24-1), 12-Abdoulaye Meite (18-0); 5-Didier Zokora (39-0), 2-Kanga Akale (23-3), 19-Gneri Yaya Toure (15-2), 15-Aruna Dindane (35-11); 18-Abdelkader Keita (27-6), 11-Didier Drogba (33-24). —Reuters