Netherlands thrashes San Marino in Euro 2012 qualifier
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Xinhua, September 3, 2011
Netherlands clinches record 11-0 win over San Marino in Euro 2012 qualifiers
The Netherlands booked the biggest win of 11-0 over San Marino in Euro 2012 qualifying in Eindhoven on Friday.
In the match between the brand new no. 1 on the FIFA ranking and the joint bottom team San Marino (203rd), the audience expected nothing less than goals.
The home team started furiously with Robin Van Persie (7') finishing a Mark van Bommel pass, a long distance shot by Wesley Sneijder (12') and a header by Johnny Heitinga (17').
However, after the third goal the Netherlands were not able to move on and only created a few chances. San Marino even got the opportunity to cause danger when Andy Silva's shot went just wide.
The real fireworks started in the second half. Just like the first half the Netherlands started in superior fashion with Dirk Kuyt finishing a one-touch attack via Van Persie and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. The latter added his first goal in the 56th minute and Van Persie added two more in the 65th and 67th minute.
With more than 20 minutes to go the audience in Eindhoven shouted for ten goals. Huntelaar made it 8-0 in the 77th minute and Van Persie scored his fourth in the 79th minute. It was Wesley Sneijder who produced the historic 10th goal by finishing a Van Persie pass in the 87th minute. Substitute Georginio Wijnaldum even made it 11-0.
The former record wins of the Netherlands dated back to 1912 against Finland (9-0) and 1972 against Norway (9-0). It was not the biggest defeat ever for San Marino. In 2007 they were beaten 13-0 by Germany.
In the same Euro 2012 Group E qualifying action, Hungary beat Sweden 2-1 in Budapest while Finland defeated Moldova 4-1 in Helsinki.
The Netherlands now leads Group E with 21 points after seven matches. Sweden is second with 15 points and Hungary got back in the race with 15 points out of eight matches.
Next Tuesday Moldova play against Hungary, San Marino will meet Sweden and Finland hosts the Netherlands.
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