Van Persie hits form for Oranje
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
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Netherlands 2-1 Mexico
Robin van Persie scored twice for Bert van Marwijk's side who overcame Mexico without a clutch of their key players.
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Netherlands 2-1 Mexico
The Netherlands started their pre-tournament friendly programme with a 2-1 victory over fellow FIFA World Cup finalists Mexico in Freiburg.
Robin van Persie scored both goals for the Oranje against a Mexico team beaten 3-1 by England on Monday. Bert van Marwijk's side were without UEFA Champions League finalists Mark van Bommel, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder, while Nigel de Jong – who was nursing a slight knock – was not risked.
Rafael van der Vaart had already hit the post for the Netherlands when he set up Van Persie for his first of the night (17). Three minutes before the break, the Arsenal FC forward struck his second, volleying in a precise cross from Ibrahim Afellay with his favoured left foot.
Van Marwijk gave AFC Ajax defender Vurnon Anita his international debut in the second half and made three further substitutions. Mexico were a much more potent threat after the break and 16 minutes from time Javier Hernández – who is due to join Manchester United FC this summer – beat goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg to make it 2-1.
