Netherlands thrash Latvia 6-0

The Netherlands registered a convincing 6-0 victory over Latvia in the Euro 2016 qualifying Group A match to salvage the post of coach Guus Hiddink, who had said he would quit if his team did not win.

The Dutch national team was in crisis after four defeats in Hiddink's first five matches, of which two in qualifying, as head coach after the World Cup, reports Xinhua.

With Ibrahim Afellay hitting the post the home-team started well Sunday and in the sixth minute Robin Van Persie found the net. He headed in a cross by Arjen Robben.

The Netherlands continued with some fine passing and Robben doubled the scoring in the 35th minute. He dribbled from superbly and shot from outside the penalty area.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar made it 3-0 three minutes from half-time. The Schalke 04 striker scored at the first post from a cross by Afellay.

In the second half, Robben came close to his second goal, but his free-kick hit the cross bar. The next goals came late with defender Jeffrey Bruma scoring in 78th minute, Robben adding his second goal in the 82nd minute and Huntelaar doing the same in the 89th minute.

The victory brought 'Oranje' on six points in Group A and meant a continuation of Hiddink's term as head coach.