Van Persie helps Holland to win

A double from Robin van Persie was enough to see Holland step up their World Cup preparations with a 2-1 victory over Mexico at Badenova-Stadion in Freiburg.

The Arsenal striker opened the scoring after 17 minutes and then doubled the hosts' lead just before the half-time interval before Javier Hernandez, who will play for Manchester United next season, pulled one back for the visitors.

Debutant Mathieu Valbuena lent weight to his World Cup claims with a late winner as France continued their World Cup build-up by battling to a 2-1 victory against Costa Rica.

The South American side took a shock lead through Carlos Hernandez and, though Franck Ribery quickly levelled, an inspired goalkeeping display from Keylor Navas looked set to secure a draw.

But substitute Valbuena found a way through from long range as Raymond Domenech's side deservedly emerged victorious.

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