Robin Van Persie’s own goal horror

Dutch superstar Robin Van Persie has been left gutted after a scoring a crucial own goal against the Czech Republic that helped eliminate the Netherlands from qualifying for Euro 2016.

In a rollercoaster night, Van Persie became the first Dutch player to score 50 international goals when he helped the Oranje claw back from 3-0 down to make it 3-2 in the second half.

But the strike was overshadowed by a disastrous own goal earlier in the half when the 32-year-old tried to head a Czech free kick back to his keeper, Jeroen Zoet.

Van Persie was positioned just beyond the six yard box when the free kick swung straight to him, but instead of cushioning the ball back to Zoet, managed to wrong-foot the shot-stopper and hit the back of the net.

The 66th goal came after the star striker was injected into the game late in the first half as the Dutch chased down a 2-0 deficit and ultimately consigned the Netherlands to a defeat.

It was a cruel blow for the star, who has delivered so much joy for the Dutch during a glittering international career which saw him reach 100 caps against Kazakhstan on Saturday.

The highly-fancied Dutch entered the match needing to beat the Czechs and hoping Group A rivals Turkey would lose to Iceland to clinch third place and a playoff spot for Euro 2016.

But defeat ensured they will not be a part of the expanded 24-team tournament.

The goal capped a wretched week for Van Persie, who was involved in a training ground stoush with teammate and Manchester United signing Memphis Depay, whose arrival at Old Trafford in July triggered his move from the Red Devils.

The former EPL star has also endured a miserable time since he joined Turkish side Fenerbahce.