Robin van Persie: 'Netherlands should not be underestimated'

Ahead of their opening World Cup match against Spain on Friday evening, Robin van Persie has insisted that the Netherlands should not be underestimated.

The Dutch are looking to avenge the defeat they suffered to the same opponents in the 2010 final, and Van Persie believes that a younger squad will be desperate to challenge once again.

"Spain have a fantastic team, with players like Diego Costa and David de Gea, my teammate at Manchester United, and in my opinion have the best team in the world," the Manchester United striker told onsoranje.nl.

"But we are also very good, so don't forget that and do not underestimate Holland.

"Although as a squad, we may be much younger than four years ago, there are also lots of opportunities."

Louis van Gaal's side will also meet Australia and Chile in Group B.