ROBIN VAN PERSIE scored a spectacular goal to give the Netherlands a 1-1 draw against Ecuador in a World Cup warm-up match on Saturday.
The Manchester United striker, who has been plagued by injury in recent weeks, found the net after 37 minutes when he controlled the ball on his chest before striking an impressive volley past Maximo Banguera in the Ecuador goal.
The South Americans, who have also qualified for the World Cup which starts in Brazil on June 12, had taken a ninth-minute lead when Jefferson Montero beat Jasper Cillessen in the Dutch goal.
Van Persie’s goal will have been an added boost for Dutch coach Louis van Gaal who is expected to be named as Manchester United manager in the coming days.
“I have played just twice in the last three games in the Premier League — half an hour and 67 minutes,” said van Persie who has been battling a knee injury.
“I am missing some rhythm but I have completely recovered.”
The Netherlands took the opportunity to have a look at the depth of their squad on Saturday with first-choices Nigel de Jong, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Arjen Robben and Jeremain Lens all unavailable.
The Dutch are in Group B at the World Cup along with defending champions Spain, Chile and Australia.
Ecuador will play in Group E with Switzerland, France and Honduras.
