Former Newcastle United promotion hero makes goal-laden World Cup qualifier debut after international switch

Three-times capped Netherlands international Vurnon Anita has made his World Cup qualifier debut for Curacao having made a late career nationality switch.
Vurnon Anita and Gabriel Obertan of Newcastle United arrive for the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Swansea City at St James' Park on April 16, 2016 in Newcastle, England.Vurnon Anita and Gabriel Obertan of Newcastle United arrive for the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Swansea City at St James' Park on April 16, 2016 in Newcastle, England.
Vurnon Anita and Gabriel Obertan of Newcastle United arrive for the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Swansea City at St James' Park on April 16, 2016 in Newcastle, England.

The 31-year-old, who played an integral role in United’s promotion from the Championship under Rafa Benitez in 2016/17, played the full 90 minutes of the tiny Caribbean island’s 5-0 win over St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Anita, who was born in Curacao’s capital Willemstad, made his last Holland appearance in 2010.

Curacao are managed by former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Guus Hiddink.