Robin van Persie takes over as captain as Holland fine-tune preparations for their final push to secure a World Cup place.
Holland are a team reborn since their dismal Euro 2012 campaign and are well on course for Brazil next summer after winning their first six qualifiers.
New coach Louis van Gaal has overseen the resurgence and the veteran tactician refuses to shirk from tough decisions, most recently dropping skipper Wesley Sneijder for this week's friendly in Portugal.
Consequently, Van Persie will take the armband as Holland, seven points clear in Group D, warm up for a trip to Estonia next month that could all but clinch their World Cup spot.
Van Gaal claimed Galatasaray midfielder Sneijder needed to improve his physical condition before being considered again.
He told reporters: "He is not out of sight, but he must first get in shape. Then he will probably play with his qualities."
Van Persie begins the new season just five goals behind Patrick Kluivert's national goalscoring record of 40.
Holland, who have not lost for a year, also boast the likes of Rafael van der Vaart and Arjen Robben in their squad to travel to Faro.
Holland are a team reborn since their dismal Euro 2012 campaign and are well on course for Brazil next summer after winning their first six qualifiers.
New coach Louis van Gaal has overseen the resurgence and the veteran tactician refuses to shirk from tough decisions, most recently dropping skipper Wesley Sneijder for this week's friendly in Portugal.
Consequently, Van Persie will take the armband as Holland, seven points clear in Group D, warm up for a trip to Estonia next month that could all but clinch their World Cup spot.
Van Gaal claimed Galatasaray midfielder Sneijder needed to improve his physical condition before being considered again.
He told reporters: "He is not out of sight, but he must first get in shape. Then he will probably play with his qualities."
Van Persie begins the new season just five goals behind Patrick Kluivert's national goalscoring record of 40.
Holland, who have not lost for a year, also boast the likes of Rafael van der Vaart and Arjen Robben in their squad to travel to Faro.
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