Netherlands thrash Ivory Coast with Veltman brace, Robben strike

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:43 am

Arjen Robben celebrates after scoring from the penalty spot in the Netherlands' friendly win against the Ivory Coast.
Arjen Robben celebrates after scoring from the penalty spot in the Netherlands' friendly win against the Ivory Coast.
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The Netherlands thrashed Ivory Coast 5-0 in a friendly on Sunday as midfielder Wesley Sneijder made his record-equaling 130th appearance for the Dutch national team.

Defender Joel Veltman scored his first two goals for the national team and in between those strikes captain Arjan Robben converted a penalty as the Netherlands took a 3-0 lead into half-time.

Davy Klaassen made it 4-0 in the 69th minute and was immediately replaced by Sneijder, who matched former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar's record. Vincent Janssen tapped in a rebound in the 75th minute to complete the scoring.

It was the last match for the Netherlands before new coach Dick Advocaat takes over with a mission to secure an unlikely World Cup qualification.

Advocaat will be in charge on Friday when the Netherlands takes on Luxembourg in Rotterdam in a World Cup Group A qualifier. The Dutch currently are fourth in the group, from which only the winner gains automatic qualification.