Van Persie delighted for comeback-hero Afellay

EXCLUSIVE: The Netherlands captain was thrilled at the winger's performance on his return to the side, while Nigel de Jong has warned of the threat posed by Iceland

Robin van Persie was delighted with the match-winning contribution of Ibrahim Afellay on Friday as the winger made his return to Netherlands action.

Kazakhstan took a shock lead against Oranje in the Euro 2016 qualifier before Afellay set up Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to level matters just past the hour mark.

The Olympiakos winger then capped his first international game for two years with a goal of his own before Van Persie's late penalty, and the Manchester United striker was thrilled with the 28-year-old's efforts.

"It was a double liberation - not only for the team, but for him. It was beautiful," he told Goal after the match.

"I know how hard he's had it. I've been in touch with him in Barcelona, I know where he's coming from. If he scores the winning goal, I'm very happy for him.

"He's come a long way and is now back at the top."

Baurzhan Dzholchiev was sent off for a reckless challenge on Afellay in the second half and Van Persie admits he is concerned his team-mate could miss the clash with Iceland as a result.

"I was shocked for a moment. I hope he makes it to Iceland," he added.

Midfielder Nigel de Jong, meanwhile, praised coach Guus Hiddink's decision to replace him with Huntelaar as Netherlands sought a route back into the match and warned of the threat posed by Monday's opponents.

"We didn't play badly," he told Goal. "We just played against a wall.

"The coach does what's best for the team. Everyone knows his position, Huntelaar too. If he comes into the side, he does as well as possible, and that's how it turned out tonight.

"Iceland are better than the others in our group. We need to be at 100 per cent to win there."