Both these teams know where they stand in respect of the tournament, regardless of the result of this match, scheduled for Thursday.
Holland have already qualified for the round of 16, and Cameroon have already been knocked out of the World Cup. Cameroon will however be anxious to leave on a high note, and are likely to play their heart out. Despite their loss to Denmark in their last match, Cameroon put up a good show, and they will be keen to continue the good work against Holland.
The two previous meetings of these two teams were friendlies in 1998 and 2006, with Holland winning the second by a lone goal, and the earlier one a goalless draw.
Pre-tournament predictions had greater expectations from Cameroon, as they have the most World Cup experience among African teams, and Thursday's match will be their 20th.
The induction of seniors, Achille Emana and Geremi, and Alexandre Song, of Arsenal, made a positive difference for Cameroon in the Denmark match.
Samuel Eto'o did a much better job in the middle. The team will have to improve their finishing quality, if they want to impress against the Holland defence. Also, their own defence was less than adequate against Denmark.
Denmark's win over Cameroon's has ensured Holland's transition to the round of 16. Coach Bert Van Marwijk will be able to try out bench players while protecting his regulars from injury and resting them ahead of the big battles in the knock out stages. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Eljero Elia can expect to play and work up some form ahead of the knockout matches.
After their outstanding showing in the qualifiers, Holland's performance in their first two group E matches was disappointing, although they won both. The good news for Holland is that their defending was solid, while midfielders Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong also lived up to expectations. This enabled Wesley Sneijder freedom up front.
Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben are likely to miss this match, though Robben who is nursing an injury might get some practice as a substitute.
Gregory Van Der Wiel and De Jong both of whom were awarded yellow cards in the group matches, are also likely to sit this match out.
Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o was the most impressive Cameroon player against Denmark, and gave his team the lead. Eto'o was wasted on the right wing against Japan, and coach Paul Le Gluen gave him a central role in the Denmark game, with immediate results.
Winger Eljero Elia's speed made an impression for Holland against Denmark, and Dirk Kuyt was able to score off the rebound after Elia's shot hit the post. Cameroon's defence will be sorely tested by Elia.
Cameroon is likely to go with a largely unchanged team from the one that played in the Denmark match. Bennoit Assou-Ekotto may adopt a more defensive mould.
Affelay and Elia are likely to give flank support to Huntelaar while Demy De Zeeuw could play as a defensive midfielder, replacing Nigel De Jong.
Veterans Mark Van Bommel and Rafael Van Der Vaart are likely to play influential hands and combined with the pace of Elia and Affelay could make life difficult for Cameroon.
