Van Persie delivers Netherlands World Cup ticket

The Netherlands will compete in next summer's FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil after Robin van Persie struck twice in quick succession to secure the victory in Andorra that confirmed his side as Group D winners.

Yet to score in eight qualifiers, Andorra could claim something of a moral victory as they reached half-time on level terms, with Louis van Gaal's side on top but unable to create much danger in a slow-paced game. Wesley Sneijder went closest, his drive forcing goalkeeper Ferran Pol to a save, while free-kicks from Sneijder and Van Persie went over and wide.

Van Persie belatedly found his range in the 50th minute, crashing a curving drive past Pol from 20 metres to make it 1-0. The Oranje captain swiftly followed that up with his 38th international goal, the Manchester United FC man moving to within two goals of Patrick Kluivert's national-record tally of 40 after Pol's punch set him up for a simple finish.

There was no need for any further gloss with victory leaving the Netherlands with 22 points from eight games – eight more than second placed Hungary with only two games left to play.