Dominant display: Netherlands crush Finland in World Cup qualifiers | OneFootball

The Netherlands delivered an impressive performance at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, defeating Finland 4-0 in a UEFA World Cup Qualifier.

Donyell Malen opened the scoring early, setting the tone for a dominant first half in which Virgil van Dijk and Memphis Depay also found the net. Depay’s penalty and a late goal from Cody Gakpo sealed the victory, showcasing the attacking power of the Oranje.

Finland struggled to contain the Dutch, creating only a few chances while the hosts controlled possession and dictated the tempo throughout the match.

Player of the Match

Memphis Depay was the standout, contributing significantly with a goal and two assists. His creativity and precision in the final third were key to the Netherlands’ comprehensive victory over Finland.

Intriguing Statistic

Memphis Depay has now been involved in goals in his last 12 consecutive World Cup qualifying matches, tallying 16 goals and 7 assists during this impressive run.

What We Learned

The Netherlands’ early goal by Donyell Malen set the stage for a relentless attacking display, with the team maintaining high possession and creating numerous chances.

Virgil van Dijk’s dominant presence in defense and his set-piece goal highlighted the Dutch aerial threat. Memphis Depay’s influence was undeniable, orchestrating play and converting a penalty with ease.

Finland’s young team struggled against the experienced Dutch side, revealing gaps in their defensive organization. The Oranje’s fluid attacking transitions and solid defensive structure make them a formidable force in the qualifiers.

Current Standings

The Netherlands remain at the top of Group G with 16 points, extending their lead over third-placed Finland to six points. This victory brings them closer to securing a spot at the 2026 World Cup, with only two matches remaining.

Finland, on the other hand, stays in third place, still in contention but needing improvement to secure qualification.

What’s Next

The Netherlands will face Poland in their next qualifier, a crucial match that could further solidify their leading position. Meanwhile, Finland will look to bounce back against Malta, aiming to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Head-to-Head Analysis

The Netherlands maintained their perfect record against Finland, winning all three encounters between the two teams. This latest victory further reinforces their dominance in this matchup.

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

📸 JOHN THYS - AFP or licensors