Dutch striker Robin van Persie admits they are wary of Slovakia’s team spirit when his side face the unheralded side in a round of 16 match on Monday.

Slovakia drew with New Zealand and lost to Paraguay. After they have shown brilliant performance against Italy and crushed them by 3-2, to advance from Group F with Paraguay. The Oranje are unbeaten in the group E, brushing aside Denmark, Japan and Cameroon.

"Slovakia will be tough," Van Persie told.

"They showed really good spirt and hung in there against Italy and it was a great result for their country. So far, it's looking good for us, but we can still improve on bits and pieces."

Holland manager Bert van Marwijk stated: "This is an opponent we must not underestimate. We cannot be nonchalant."

The Netherlands were boosted by the return of winger Arjen Robben for their final group outing as the Bayern Munich star completed 20 minutes on his comeback from a hamstring injury.

"We made it clear at the start that we would be taking this tournament one challenge at a time, and now we will focus on Slovakia and Slovakia alone," said Robben.

"I'm already looking forward to it."

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Williams Gallas is on the verge of leaving Arsenal to join Juventus, according to the France international’s agent. Etienne Mendy claims the former Chelsea star is ready to accept a two-year deal in Turin. “I can confirm that Juventus are interested in the defender,” Mendy told Itasportpress.it. “I will meet the Bianconeri directors to find an agreement over his wages after having been in touch with them a few days ago. “Juventus want Gallas and he would be happy to wear the Bianconeri shirt.” Gallas’ Emirates Stadium contract expires at the end of June and the Gunners have shown no interest in offering him an extension. The 32-year-old, who was part of the mutinous Les Bleus squad at this summer’s World Cup finals, scored 17 goals in 142 appearances for Arsenal during his four-year stay in north London. (Independent)

I am going to miss William Gallas. Both his craziness and his defensive ability, for he had both in equal measure and was a player who could be counted on to get people talking. Even at 32 he still has a lot to offer, he still has the pace to keep up and is a determined performer with a few flaws but is still one of the best in the game. I know we couldn’t offer him the two year deal he wanted so I guess he had to go, but its a shame.

Yes he could be an unstable influence in the changing room and has been one of those responsible for the insanity that was the French World Cup campaign but at the same time he must have commanded some respect given his vast experience and the success that comes from being at the very top of your game for a decade plus

He will do a good job in Serie A where I am sure he will be a success. Good luck William and hope to see you doing crazy things in that black and white striped shirt!

Manager Arsène Wenger, currently in South Africa working for French TV station TF1, provided journalists with an update on the situation between Cesc Fabregas and Barcelona.

Our captain is currently a target for the Catalan side, who have offered €30 million.

That initial offer was turned down but outgoing president Joan Laporte has promised to go back with an improved offer.

A response from Arsenal indicated to the Spanish side that our captain was not for sale for any price, and that is the impression the boss gave to French journalists.

Wenger told them: "Cesc is not for sale, no matter what Barcelona offer."