Dutch proud of record-breaking victory

The Netherlands were left to reflect on breaking new ground on Friday having beaten San Marino 11-0 in Eindhoven.

The Dutch's previous record win of 9-0 – recorded against Finland in 1912 and Norway in 1972 – was surpassed in splendid fashion, ensuring the Oranje remain firmly in charge of UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group E – six points clear of Sweden and Hungary. "I did not know about the record, but it is something you can be proud about," Robin van Persie, scorer of four goals, told UEFA.com. "I do not think I have ever won 11-0 in a senior match before, maybe only in youth matches."

For Arsenal FC striker Van Persie, the result was in stark contrast to his last outing, an 8-2 defeat by Manchester United FC, meaning 21 goals have been amassed in his last two appearances. "It is bizarre, a world of highs and lows," he said after taking his international tally to 25 goals in 57 appearances to overtake Marco van Basten and enter the top ten of the Netherlands' all-time scoring list.

"It is a very nice result, and we are proud of it, although you have to take the opponent into account. The coach always insists on a good passing game, putting the pressure on the opponent, and when you do those things right you can always play a good game. This squad has so much quality. If you look at the players we missed and how others just fill in. I think this is the best squad I have ever played with."

Captain Mark van Bommel was equally pleased to have been involved in the record-breaking performance. "I did not know exactly about the record, I had a vague idea, but it is nice for the fans," he told UEFA.com. "It confirms we are on the right track. We gave the fans a beautiful evening, in the stadium and at home, it was a real advertisement for our game.

"All the players love coming to the Dutch team. You can really notice the players enjoy being here, also at training sessions. The good thing is that we often play with different players, but the way we play does not change. That is the beauty of this Dutch national team, everyone knows what he has to do.

"We have not qualified yet. It is looking good. It will not be easy [on Tuesday against Finland] in Helsinki, but we have to do all we can to win. Then it will be looking good for us."