Robin van Persie celebrated his first international call up for six months with a brace as an understrength Netherlands beat Mexico 2-1 in a World Cup warm-up match on Wednesday.

The Manchester United-bound forward Javier Hernandez pulled back a goal after the break, but a resurgent Mexico could not force an equaliser.

Playing his first match for the Netherlands since suffering a serious ankle injury against Italy in November, Van Persie was a constant threat in the first half along with PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ibrahim Afellay.

"At times, we played beautifully tonight," Van Persie said.

The Mexicans forced their way back into the match after Van Persie was substituted in the second half and Mexico strengthened their attack.

Wednesday's match came a day before Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk was to name his final 23-man World Cup squad.

Van Marwijk left key players Wesley Sneijder of Inter Milan and Arjen Robben and Mark van Bommel from Bayern Munich out of his team to give them more time to recover from Saturday's Champions League final.

With Mexico coach Javier Aguirre also resting key players it was the Dutch who looked comfortable early on, playing their fast passing game while Mexico struggled on a rain-slicked pitch and their defence gave the Dutch forwards far too much room.

The space was a gift for Van Persie, who opened the scoring in the 17th minute when he fired in from close range after a cross from the left by Rafael van der Vaart left Mexico's two central defenders stranded.

The Arsenal striker doubled the score in the 41st with a sweetly struck left-foot volley past goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

This time Afellay was the provider with a pinpoint accurate pass from the right.

Barrera and fellow substitutes Giovani Dos Santos and Carlos Vela of Arsenal turned the match Mexico's way in the second half as the Dutch defence struggled.

Mexico converted its pressure in the 74th when Hernandez headed home at the far post as replacement defenders Vurnon Anita and Orlando Engelaar looked on helplessly.

Mexico have two more friendlies, against Gambia and Italy, before kicking off the World Cup on June 11 against host South Africa.

The Netherlands play Ghana and Hungary in warm-ups before launching its World Cup campaign June 14 against Denmark in Johannesburg.

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