In-form striker Robin van Persie helped the Netherlands to victory against Turkey in their first 2014 FIFA World Cup Group D qualifier.

Van Persie, who has scored four goals in his first three appearances for Manchester United FC, was restored to the central striking position in place of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar having been left out of last month's friendly against Belgium.

The former Arsenal FC forward repaid coach Louis van Gaal by registering for the 30th time in the Oranje jersey, heading in a corner from Wesley Sneijder after 17 minutes.

John Heitinga was the only regular defender under Bert van Marwijk selected as Van Gaal opted for a new-look back five, with goalkeeper Tim Krul and youngsters Daryl Janmaat, Bruno Martins Indi and Jetro Willems.

Martins Indi made a vital goal-line intervention to preserve the lead following a misunderstanding between himself and Krul, while Willems was fortunate Arda Turan did not profit when he lost possession. Umut Bulut hit the crossbar and Krul denied Hamit Altıntop as Abdullah Avcı's team responded positively to falling behind.

Indeed, it was not until added time that the Netherlands put the result beyond doubt, Luciano Narsingh chipping Tolga Zengin after being sent clear by PSV Eindhoven team-mate Kevin Strootman.