Netherlands captain Robin van Persie has admitted that his early goal helped to settle the team during their heavy win over Latvia in Euro 2016 qualifying.

Van Persie gave the Dutch a fourth-minute lead in Amsterdam on Sunday before they went on to record a convincing 6-0 victory in the Group A encounter.

Guus Hiddink's side are now just three points behind second-placed Iceland following their 2-1 defeat to leaders Czech Republic.

"We felt the pressure on us from all sides. I was a bit more nervous than usual – after all, we are human beings too," Van Persie told UEFA.com.

"We took the early lead this time, which was not what happened in the other Group A matches. When that happens, you can play a lot more easily. This was a fantastic game and we can build on this. We have started a series now, to be continued next year."

Netherlands continue their qualifying campaign in March 2015 when they entertain Turkey.

Written by
Jack Prescott