Shadow cast over Holland's hopes with Robben left behind for scans

The Bayern Munich winger went on as a half-time substitute in Saturday's 6-1 thrashing of Hungary and scored two goals before being forced off with a hamstring injury five minutes from time.

The 26-year-old remained in Holland for scans when the rest of the team flew to South Africa.

It was expected the results of the scans would be revealed yesterday but the Dutch FA (KNVB) last night admitted they will not be released until tomorrow.

The initial fear was that Robben would not be able to play in the finals and van Marwijk is concerned he will be deprived of arguably his most creative player.

"I would rather have lost the game and still be able to take Arjen," he said.

"He felt a sharp sting and that does not bode well. ut I have not yet lost hope."

Team-mate Robin van Persie says it is the worst thing that could have happened to the squad.

He said: "Everybody was shocked. This is a bit of a doomsday scenario. I find it unbelievable. Everyone was down afterwards."

Holland's first game is next Monday against Denmark, while they also face Japan and Cameroon.

Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen concedes the best his side can hope for from Group E at the World Cup is a second place finish behind Holland. The Indomitable Lions wrapped up their preparations for the finals with a 4-3 defeat to Serbia on Saturday in Belgrade.

Frenchman Le Guen reacted by lowering expectations. He said: "I'm optimistic about our chances, even though I know that I know that the Netherlands are an absolute favourite of the group.

"We can make opposition for Denmark and Japan."

The west Africans open the tournament against the Japanese next Monday, followed by a meeting with the Danes before they meet the group favourites.

Asked who he rated as potential tournament winners, Le Guen added: "My first favourites are Spain, no doubt."