Ivory Coast make 3 changes, Dutch unchanged

STUTTGART, June 16 (Reuters) The Ivory Coast made three changes to their starting lineup against an unchanged Dutch team for their Group C match in Stuttgart today.

The African side's coach Henri Michel brought in strikers Arouna Kone and Bakary Kone and midfielder Romaric in place of attacking midfielder Bonaventure Kalou, striker Kader Keita and midfielder Kanga Akale, all of whom were substituted during Sunday's 2-1 loss to Argentina.

It was not clear whether Bakary Kone would make up a three-pronged strike force with Arouna Kone and Didier Drogba or drop back as a supporting midfielder.

Dutch coach Marco van Basten kept faith with the 11 who began their 1-0 opening round victory over Serbia&Montenegro.

A Dutch win would guarantee them a place in the knock-out phase, following Argentina's 6-0 demolition of Serbia earlier today.

Ivory Coast, impressive in defeat against Argentina, need to avoid defeat to remain in contention for the second phase.

REUTERS DH PM2236