Euro 2012

Huntelaar hits hat-trick

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar netted a hat-trick and Ruud van Nistelrooy scored on his international return as World Cup runners-up Netherlands began their Euro 2012 Group E qualifying campaign with a comprehensive win over San Marino.

Dirk Kuyt converted a 16th-minute penalty and Huntelaar added a second after 38 minutes as the Dutch, who suffered a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in July's World Cup final in Johannesburg, took a 2-0 half-time lead.

Huntelaar netted again after 48 minutes and completed his treble after 67 before substitute Van Nistelrooy struck in stoppage time at the Stadio Olimpico, Serravalle.

The signs were ominous for San Marino early on, as Huntelaar had an effort disallowed for offside after 13 minutes. Netherlands took the lead three minutes later, however, after Davide Simoncini fouled Huntelaar and Kuyt stepped up to net from the penalty spot.

Striker Huntelaar, who endured unhappy spells with Real Madrid and AC Milan before moving to Bundesliga side Schalke this week, did legitimately find the target seven minutes before the interval as he tucked in from six yards following Kuyt's cross.

Rafael van der Vaart then set up Huntelaar's second 90 seconds after the interval as the striker thrashed the ball into the net from 12 yards. And Kuyt provided the assist for Huntelaar's hat-trick as the former Ajax striker converted from six yards.

Netherlands kept up the pressure, but did not find a fifth until stoppage time as Van Nistelrooy netted his 34th goal in his 65th appearance for his country, and his first since returning from two years in the international wilderness.

The 34-year-old Hamburg striker was overlooked for South Africa as the Oranje marched to the World Cup final, having come out of retirement.

Van der Vaart, who signed for Tottenham on transfer deadline day earlier this week, was the provider, crossing for Van Nistelrooy to finish high into the centre of the goal from close range.

The former PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United and Real Madrid striker's goal took him within six of Patrick Kluivert's record of 40 goals for Netherlands.

Bert van Marwijk's side will meet Finland on Tuesday, while San Marino travel to Sweden.