Amsterdam: The Netherlands, runners-up in the 2010 football World Cup, staked claim for the European Championships by thrashing Northern Ireland 6-0 in their last warm-up game here.

The most discussed topic in the Netherlands in the build-up was the choice of the central striker. Coach Bert van Marwijk had the luxury of having to choose between English Premier League top scorer Robin van Persie and Bundesliga top scorer Klaas Jan Huntelaar.
Van Persie got the nod and didn't disappoint scoring a brace Saturday, reported Xinhua.

Northern Ireland gave no resistance and as a result the Dutch team made merry on the night. The one-way traffic towards the Northern-Irish goal resulted in four goals in the first half. Van Persie headed in the first goal and Sneijder scored from a free-kick within the first fifteen minutes.

After a handball by Shane Ferguson van Persie converted a penalty and Afellay produced the fourth after a Van Persie assist. After half-time the latter also provided the assist for Afellay' s second goal.

With Rafael van der Vaart, Dirk Kuyt and Huntelaar as substitutes the Netherlands looked for more goals. Van der Vaart was close, but he hit the post.

The Netherlands start their Euro 2012 against Denmark June 9, before taking on Germany and Portugal. (IANS)