Robin van Persie becomes top Netherlands scorer of all time with hat trick against Hungary

AMSTERDAM – Robin van Persie has become the Netherlands’ top international scorer of all time with a hat trick against Hungary.

Van Persie was on target with two first-half headers Friday to draw level with the 40 international goals of Patrick Kluivert, the former striker who is now one of coach Louis van Gaal’s assistants.

After heading home Arjen Robben’s cross in the 43rd for his second goal of the night to tie the 10-year-old scoring record, Van Persie ran across the field and jumped into Kluivert’s arms on the touchline.

The Manchester United star, playing his 80th international, completed his hat trick in the 53rd, tapping in after Robben nodded down the ball to give the Netherlands a 5-1 lead in the Group D match.

He was substituted after an hour.

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