Netherlands legend Ruud Gullit has warned manager Louis van Gaal to pay close attention to his defence.

Oranje, who have been pitted in a group alongside Chile, Australia and Spain, get their World Cup campaign underway later today when they take on the current holders in a repeat of 2010's final.

"This game marks the beginning of Brazil 2014 for both teams so we are more likely to see a prudent approach from both of them with the players trying to understand how to adapt to the conditions," Gullit is quoted as saying by Goal.com.

"The Dutch look fine in attack where they have the experience of Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder. However, coach Louis van Gaal will need to pay special attention to sharpening his defence where there are a lot of young players.

"Ideally, what every manager of the main contenders would like, is to see their team grow as the tournament progresses. Remember what happened to the Germans four years ago; they began very strongly but looked jaded when they faced Spain in the semis."

Elsewhere in Group B, Chile take on Australia in Cuiaba at 11pm.