Van Persie volley earns Dutch a draw

The Netherlands began their final preparation for the FIFA World Cup with a 1-1 home draw against Ecuador at the Amsterdam ArenA.

Jefferson Montero's early opener was wiped out by Robin van Persie's 42nd international goal, a trademark volley eight minutes before half-time, as Louis van Gaal's experimental side were frustrated in the first of their friendlies before Brazil.

Van Gaal had opted to start with a 3-5-2 formation instead of his traditional 4-3-3 in search of more solid defensive security, but the visitors put paid to that idea when they broke the deadlock in the ninth minute. Jefferson Montero ghosted on to Felipe Caicedo's brilliantly disguised through pass, and flicked the ball beyond goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.

But the Netherlands, who featured ten Eredivisie-based players in their starting XI including debutant Terence Kongolo of Feyenoord, got back into the game before the break. Van Gaal was without the likes of Nigel de Jong, Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Arjen Robben and Jeremain Lens – all on club duty this weekend – but could rely on captain and all-time Oranje top scorer Van Persie.

The Manchester United FC striker showed off his technical skill in the wonderful leveller, controlling Jordy Clasie's deep pass on his chest before thrashing a volley past the helpless goalkeeper from ten metres out. 

Van Persie and marauding full-back Patrick van Aanholt both spurned promising openings after half-time as the Netherlands pressed in search of a win, but the Oranje fans had to be content with a stalemate.