Van Persie fit to play Spain in World Cup

Robin van Persie had a disappointing season with Manchester United, suffering from several injuries, but is ready to conquer Spain in the first match of the Netherlands at the World Cup June 13 in Salvador, he said here Sunday.

"I made progress in recent weeks," he said. "Although I have some minor groin problems, I would not call it an injury. I can't remember I played a match without minor niggles. I can manage that," Xinhua quoted Van Persie as saying during a press conference in Rio de Janeiro.

He completed the full group training at the Flamengo training ground and did not show any signs of injury. "I feel well, as you all could see," he said. "Yesterday I also only missed a small part. It is all part of the build-up."

After suffering from a knee injury Van Persie returned to action with Manchester United in the beginning of May. During the last friendly for the Netherlands against Wales (2-0) last Wednesday he withdrew at half-time with groin problems.

Netherlands captain Van Persie noticed his team is fully focussed for the first match against Spain. "Everyone talks about football," he said. "The joking is over. We are focussed."

"Spain has a good team of course, but we do as well," Van Persie added. "I am curious. I think it's good to start againt Spain, a big challenge, and after that play Australia and Chile. I hardly see any better team."