Soccer

Dutch back on track with win over Latvia

Netherlands put six past the visitors but remain third in Group A of Euro 2016 qualifiers

Robin van Persie of the Netherlands celebrates scoring a against Latvia in their Euro 2016 Group A qualifier in Amsterdam. Photograph: Paul Vreeker/Reuters

Sun Nov 16 2014 - 19:15

Netherlands 6 Latvia 0

The Netherlands got their Euro 2016 Group A qualifying campaign back on track as they beat Latvia 6-0 in Amsterdam.

Dutch manager Guus Hiddink had threatened to walk away if the Oranje were been beaten again, having seen his side defeated in both away games so far against the Czech Republic and Iceland. However, any suggestions of another shock result were dispelled as captain Robin van Persie put the homeside ahead after just six minutes with his 48th international goal.

Rampant Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben cracked home a second and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar netted a third from close range just before half-time.

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Jeffrey Bruma scored his first senior international goal after a corner with 12 minutes left. There was still time for Robben to lash in another from the edge of the Latvia box to cap a fine individual display, with Huntelaar adding a late sixth with a crisp turn and low finish.

The victory came at a cost, however, with Manchester United’s defensive midfielder Daley Blind limping off in the first half. The Dutch are third in Group A with six points from four matches, three behind Czech Republic and Iceland, who meet in Plzen later on Sunday.

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