Image Credits: Imago Images
The Netherlands took on Finland tonight, in a bid to secure a 2026 FIFA World Cup spot. The Dutch team were at home in Amsterdam, playing at Ajax’s iconic Johan Cruijff Arena.
The Netherlands started the game strongly, and were 1-0 up after eight minutes. At half-time, the win was all but confirmed, leading 3-0.
At full-time, the score was 4-0 and Ronald Koeman had guided his side to a top two spot in their group. This means they are guaranteed a play-off spot at the very least, but will target an automatic place in the World Cup in 2026.
The Dutch team are unbeaten in the qualifying stage, winning five of their six matches played so far. Their only game that they did not win was a 1-1 draw against Poland last month.
With qualification on the verge of being confirmed, their upcoming matches against Poland and Lithuania next month will be huge, to avoid a slip up considering their three-point lead in first with two games left to play.
Memphis Depay got two goals and an assist for his nation against Finland tonight, with all three goal involvements coming in the first-half. With his two assists, the Corinthians forward is now leading the way when it comes to the Netherlands’ all-time assists with 35, surpassing the iconic Wesley Sneijder.
The former Manchester United forward is also the leading goal scorer for his nation, with 53 goals. Combined, he has 88 goal involvements for his country.
During Depay’s spell at Old Trafford between 2015 to 2017, he scored seven goals across 53 appearances, with only two coming in the Premier League.
In the 62nd-minute, the Netherlands’ leading all-time top goalscorer and assister made way for former Manchester United loanee Wout Weghorst, who was with the Red Devils for the second-half of the 2022/23 season.
The striker made 31 appearances for United, but he only scored twice. He was a part of the squad who won the EFL Cup in 2023, defeating Newcastle United in the final.
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