Robin van Persie Leads Oranje To Victory

Robin van Persie dazzled in his first international appearance for over six months.  Sidelined for much Arsenal's Premier League season, van Persie has been in scintillating form since his return to play less than eight weeks ago.

Wednesday in a pre-World Cup friendly against Mexico, van Persie demonstrated just how much he truly had returned to form.  Van Persie, along with Ibrahim Affellay, helped the Oranje dominate the first half.

Van Persie fronted a side that did not feature Arjen Robben or Wesley Sneijder.  Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk instead took the opportunity to test his squad's depth.  With Rafael van der Vaart and Dirk Kuyt in support, the Dutch created havoc for the Mexican side from the start, firing two shots on goal in under ten minutes.

Mexico appeared a little shakier than they had earlier in the week against the British.  Although their midfield passing allowed them to maintain possession at times, they failed to create chances in the early part of the match.

After a deflected attempt from Kuyt, van Persie struck spectacularly in the 17th minute, firing in a long volley off a pass from van der Vaart.  The Arsenal hitman struck again just before the end of the half when he blasted a left-footed volley into the Mexican net.

With Huntelaar subbed in for van Persie in the second half, the Dutch still looked impressive but failed to capitalize on their chances.  This allowed Mexico to gather steam and strike back in the 75th minute when Manchester United-bound striker, Javier Hernandez, headed a long left field cross in past Martin Stekelenberg.

The Mexican goal ruffled Dutch feathers, and the Oranje appeared a little shaky until it became clear that time was on their side.  The match finished 2-1 to the Dutch with Mexico demonstrating considerable resilience.

Rafael van der Vaart was impressive until being subbed off in the second half.  Kuyt and Huntelaar looked good but failed to make good on what chances came their way.  The Dutch did manage to exhibit a reasonable depth to their squad, particularly in the second half. 

However, it was van Persie's first half performance that stole the show.  It would appear that this is a man who is returned to form ready to turn in a world class performance in South Africa next month.