Dirk Kuyt hat-trick helps Feyenoord see off AZ

A Dirk Kuyt hat-trick has given Feyenoord a 3-1 win over AZ in Sunday's Eredivisie clash at De Kuip, putting the Rotterdam giants level on points with leaders Ajax once again.

The former Liverpool forward opened the scoring on 13 minutes after finishing off a good attacking move with a powerful effort in the top-right corner of the opposition net.

AZ equalised just five minutes later when Markus Henriksen got the better of goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer to set up Joris van Overeem, who had the easy task of slotting home from close range.

Kuyt was on hand again just before the hour to get the final touch on Bart Nieuwkoop's shot and deflect the ball past Gino Coutinho to put Feyenoord back in front.

The visitors' resistance was finally broken in the 77th minute when Coutinho brought down Simon Gustafson in the area, prompting the referee to award Feyenoord a penalty, which Kuyt duly converted.