The Netherlands have boosted their Euro 2016 qualification hopes with a 6-0 thrashing of Latvia in Group A.

The hosts nearly took the lead with just two minutes on the clock when Ibrahim Afellay's fierce drive came back off the post.

However, they did not have to wait long to go in front as the unmarked Robin van Persie headed in Arjen Robben's floated cross two minutes later.

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Their night was soured midway through the first half when Daley Blind was forced off with a knee problem, but Guus Hiddink's side were soon celebrating again as a long-range effort from Robben put them 2-0 up.

The Netherlands then made it 3-0 with three minutes left to play in the opening half when Klaas-Jan Huntelaar arrived at the near post to tap in Afellay's low delivery.

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The home side continued to dominate after the restart, with Robben coming closest to making it 4-0 on 58 minutes with a free kick that rattled the crossbar.

Their fourth goal came on 78 minutes when Jeffrey Bruma converted Van Persie's cross, while it was 5-0 five minutes later as Robben found the net with a trademark finish on his left foot.

The rout was completed on 90 minutes as Huntelaar scored his second of the game with a low shot that evaded the outstretched arm of the goalkeeper.

Written by
Jack Prescott