Manhester United’s Robin van Persie discusses his spectacular World Cup goal against Spain

Robin van Persie has revealed that his goal against Spain during the Netherlands 5-1 win was probably his greatest goal of all time, beating his spectacular strike for Arsenal against Charlton in 2006.

The Dutch star was in sensational form as Netherlands shocked the world reigning champions in the opening Group B game. Louis van Gaal worked his tactics to perfection and despite Spain taking the lead, Netherlands struck back and levelled up proceedings.

Robin van Persie was the man who equalised with a scintillating goal that will be remembered for years to come. A cross-field ball found the Manchester United man and he elevated himself in the air to meet it with the header. Images of van Persie flying through the air, almost hovering to meet the ball, instantly circulated around social media sites and the former Gunners man admits it was a memorable goal.

“I look at the occasion, this was one of the biggest occasions, it was a brilliant goal and a bit of a gamble,” said the Manchester United Talisman, the Mirror reports.

“I saw [Iker] Casillas standing out of his goal, so it was a header and a lobbed header. A great goal.”

Van Persie was renowned for his brilliant strike against Charlton during his days at Arsenal, however, he admits that this one could be even better.

He told reporters: “If I had to choose between the two, it’s this – because it’s a World Cup and against the best team of the last six years. If you saw how much we wanted it and how well we played, it is a massive compliment, so I go for this goal.”

Van Persie had a 75% shot accuracy against Spain with his only shot off target hitting the crossbar.