Depay shines as Netherlands thrash Finland, World Cup spot within reach | OneFootball

The Netherlands are close to securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup. With a great performance from Memphis Depay, the Dutch beat Finland 4–0 this Sunday at the Johan Cruijff Arena in Amsterdam, in the eighth round of Group G of the European Qualifiers for the World Cup.

Memphis Depay, a Corinthians forward, was decisive for the hosts. With two assists and a goal, the No. 10 was involved in all three of the Netherlands’ first-half goals, directly responsible for the home triumph. The 31-year-old was named man of the match.

Standings situation

With the win, the Netherlands have all but booked their place at the next World Cup. The Dutch are outright leaders of Group G, with 16 points from six matches. Memphis and company can only be overtaken by Poland, who are six points behind but have played five games.

Memphis Depay – Photo: JOHN THYS / AFP

The goals of the match

The Netherlands opened the scoring in the eighth minute, with Memphis Depay involved. The Corinthians striker combined with Malen who, first time, struck a fine finish to the goalkeeper Joronen’s left.

The second goal came soon after, in the 17th minute. Memphis Depay delivered a masterful free-kick. The ball found the head of Virgil van Dijk, who nodded in unmarked to extend the lead.

In the 36th minute of the first half, Memphis got his goal. After contributing two assists, the Corinthians forward scored from the penalty spot to make it the Dutch team’s third.

Finally, in the 39th minute of the second half, Cody Gakpo received from Xavi Simons at the edge of the box and picked out the top corner past goalkeeper Joronen, sealing the final score.

Upcoming matches

Netherlands:

Finland:

See other Qualifiers results this Sunday:

San Marino 0–4 Cyprus Faroe Islands 2–1 Czech Republic Scotland 2–1 Belarus

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.