Rio De Janeiro, June 7 (IANS): The Dutch team got down to business on their arrival here for the FIFA World Cup. The 2010 runners-up had their first training session and all eyes were on their striker Robin van Persie, who had injured his groin Wednesday during a friendly against Wales.
Van Persie trained with his team mates Friday at the Flamengo youth training center, the Estadio Jose Bastos Padilha Gavea, with the famous Statue of Christ watching from the mountain, reports Xinhua.
The Manchester United striker only played 45 minutes in the final friendly against Wales Wednesday, due to a minor groin injury.
"This was a very light training," coach Louis Van Gaal said at the press conference. "We have to wait and see."
The first training comprised exercises and some foot volley games. Arjen Robben did not participate in the foot volley games, but was not injured.
Van Gaal just wanted to have even numbers in the teams and asked who wanted to be left out.
"He was the first one to say yes, so Arjen could do some athletic exercises instead," said Van Gaal.
Jonathan de Guzman still suffers from a hamstring injury he sustained Monday during training in the Netherlands. "But it is going really well," said Van Gaal.
The Dutch team arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Friday morning and went to their base hotel in the Rio quarter Ipanema, near the beach.
"We have a very good feeling," he said. "I am so happy to lead the Dutch team here and the players are happy to be here. The World Cup is coming. We are excited."
The Netherlands will start the World Cup against reigning champions Spain June 13 in Salvador. Australia and Chili are the other opponents in Group B.