Record-breaking Van Persie silences Dutch critics

Robin van Persie has received his fair share of criticism over the years for his occasionally underwhelming performances for Netherlands, but the Manchester United star once again showed that he is one of the best attackers Oranje have ever had with a superb display in Friday's 8-1 triumph over Hungary.

The former Arsenal man opened the scoring after 16 minutes of play, only to double his personal tally shortly before the break to take him level with Patrick Kluivert on 40 goals for the national team - a feat he celebrated with the assistant coach on the sidelines on Friday night.

But Van Persie was not done just yet and got his hat-trick after the interval as he calmly slotted home from Arjen Robben's knock-down to dethrone Kluivert as the Dutch all-time leading goalscorer with 41 goals in 80 appearances, silencing any lingering critics once and for all.