FIFA World Cup 2014: Van Persie wins it for the Dutch

Paris: Holland beat Ghana and Greece held Portugal in warm-up matches for the 2014 World Cup on Saturday.

But there was some bad news for Italy as midfielder Riccardo Montolivo broke his leg following a crunching tackle from Ireland defender Alex Pearce in the early stages of the friendly at Fulham’s Craven Cottage.

In Rotterdam, Holland continued their build-up to the finals with a 1-0 win over fellow Brazil-bound Ghana. Manchester United striker Robin van Persie scored a fifth minute goal after a neat build-up which proved decisive.

Ghana were unable to produce any real chances against a stout Dutch defence but looked in good physical shape.

In Lisbon, Portugal, without injured star striker Cristiano Ronaldo (thigh), Pepe and Raul Meireles, played out a goalless draw with Greece.

Croatia registered a 2-1 win over Mali, while in Oslo Fabio Capello’s Russia were held 1-1 by Norway.

Elsewhere, Algeria saw off Armenia 3-1 and Bosnia Herzegovina beat Ivory Coast 2-1 with Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko responsible for both of Bosnia’s goals.