The Netherlands were grateful to a goal from Robin van Persie to escape their international friendly clash with Ecuador with a 1-1 draw.

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Louis van Gaal's side stated the game on the front foot and could have taken the lead when Georginio Wijnaldum teed up Memphis Depay in the box, but his shot went wide of the target.

Ecuador took the lead against the run of the play in the 10th minute when Jefferson Montero fired a shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner past Jasper Cillessen.

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The Netherlands drew level just before the break when Jordy Clasie found Van Persie with a through-ball and the Manchester United striker dispatched the ball with ease past Maximo Banguera.

After half time, the home side failed to carve out many clear-cut opportunities with Depay having the best of them, but his shot was well blocked when it was on its way to goal.

Van Gaal's side continued to press and Patrick van Aanholt forced a save from Banguera after he linked up with Depay, but the keeper was able to hold firm to keep out his low effort.

Depay caused problems again for the visitors as he managed to find Jonathan de Guzman in space on the edge of the box, but the Swansea City man's shot was well saved by Banguera.

Daley Blind had a late chance to win the game for the Netherlands, but he could only put his shot from inside the box wide of the post.