Pieters and Afellay got off to a bright start

The Dutch national team got their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign off to a bright start. Former PSV striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored a hat trick on Friday as the Oranje thrashed. San Marino 5-0. Ruud van Nistelrooy, another former PSV striker, scored the fifth goal after coming on as a substitute for his first international since 2008. PSV left back Erik Pieters was included in the starting line-up, while midfielder Ibrahim Afellay came on as a substitute.

Van Nistelrooy
Erik Pieters, who operated as left back in San Marino, played the full 90 minutes. Ibrahim Afellay replaced Eljero Elia on the hour mark. Schalke 04 striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar scored a hat trick after Dirk Kuyt had opened the scoring from the penalty spot. Ruud van Nistelrooy capped his return to the Oranje with a late goal, taking his tally to 34. The Netherland are on top of Group E, with three points, along with Sweden who beat Balázs Dzsudzsák´s Hungary and Moldova.