By Mitch Phillips
CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Netherlands winger Arjen Robben is set to make his first appearance at this World Cup against Cameroon on Thursday -- in a pair of orange tights.
"With Arjen we waited until tonight's training and now we'll wait to see how he responds tomorrow and if everything looks well he will be in the team," said coach Bert Van Marwijk.
Robben sat out the Group E wins over Denmark and Japan with a hamstring injury but took a full and vigorous part in Wednesday's training session at Green Point stadium.
Although Netherlands have already clinched a place in the second round, and Cameroon are out of the running, the Dutch could still need a point to secure top spot.
With a possible last 16 meeting with Italy on the cards, Van Marwijk is keen to get Robben back in the groove.
The winger trained in black compression tights to help protect the hamstring on a chilly night in Cape Town but Dutch officials were unsure whether he would be allowed to wear them in the match or would have to wear orange tights.
The regulations state that commonly-worn "cycling shorts" must match the color of the team's shorts.
"When it comes to tights we are not sure but don't worry, we are prepared for anything and everything," said Van Marwijk.
The coach had previously said he would not play a weakened team, hoping to avoid the fate of the Dutch in their last two tournaments when they also qualified with a game to spare, rested some regulars and then lost their first knockout match.
TALENTED PLAYERS
Asked if he was considering resting the combative De Jong to make sure he does not miss the second round, Van Marwijk said: "I'm not naming names, but that's the line of thinking."
Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen, whose team have lost their first two games amid a player revolt over selection, added: "It's a very good Dutch team with many, many very talented players. They are used to playing big games for big clubs in big stadiums.
"They are one of the favorites for the tournament. and it will be tough but we will fight to defend our honor."
The Dutch squad visited Robben Island earlier on Wednesday and said they found it a sobering experience.
"We had some time to do it, it was a great idea," said Van Marwijk. "When you go through the gate, well the players were dumbfounded."
Midfielder Mark van Bommel agreed: "When you walk through the gate and realize what happened there... the group was quiet and respectful," he said of the site of Nelson Mandela's former prison.
(Editing by Ken Ferris)
