World Cup

[monks data]

World Cup | Qualifiers

Oct 11, 2013 at 7.30pm UK

Netherlands
8-1
Hungary

van Persie (16', 44', 53'), Strootman (25'), Lens (38'), Devecseri (65' og.), van der Vaart (86'), Robben (90')

FT(HT: 4-0)

Dzsudzsak (48')

Louis van Gaal praises Robin van Persie for reaching Netherlands milestone

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter

Published: October 12 2013 | 18:12

Last updated: October 13 2013 | 18:07

Robin van Persie breaking Patrick Kluivert's all-time goalscoring record for the Netherlands should be considered a "great achievement", says Louis van Gaal.

Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal has hailed striker Robin van Persie for becoming his country's all-time leading goalscorer.

The 30-year-old bagged a hat-trick in their 8-1 World Cup qualifying victory over Hungary on Friday, taking himself to 41 international goals and usurping Patrick Kluivert as his nation's most prolific marksman in history.

Kluivert, who works alongside the current crop of Oranje stars as a coach, was pictured embracing the former Arsenal forward in the aftermath of breaking his record, which Van Gaal describes as a "great achievement".

"That's a great achievement for him," the former Bayern Munich boss told SBS 6. "Patrick is also very happy for Robin, you could see the way they jumped each other's arms."

The Netherlands, who have already sealed their ticket to Brazil next summer, travel to Turkey on Tuesday for the final fixture in their qualifying campaign.