Memphis Depay delivered a brilliant performance as the Netherlands cruised to a 4-0 victory over Finland at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, moving closer to World Cup qualification.
Donyell Malen, Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Depay all found the net in what proved to be a comfortable night for Ronald Koeman’s side, who now sit six points clear at the top of Group G.
The breakthrough came just eight minutes in when Malen combined beautifully with Depay in a quick one-two before firing into the top-right corner. Minutes later, Depay provided another moment of quality, delivering a precise free-kick that Van Dijk headed past Jesse Joronen to make it 2-0.
The Netherlands continued to dominate, and after Miro Tenho handled the ball inside the box, Depay calmly converted from the spot with a composed finish into the bottom-right corner.
Finland showed brief signs of life before halftime but failed to threaten the Dutch goal seriously. The second half saw the Netherlands control possession, and the fourth goal arrived late when Xavi Simons found Cody Gakpo, who finished clinically off the inside of the post to wrap up the win.
Data Debrief: A Ruthless Dutch Side
The Netherlands have now scored 3+ goals in three consecutive matches for the first time since late 2019.
Memphis Depay, the nation’s all-time top scorer, has now contributed to 25 goals in his last 12 World Cup qualifiers (17 goals, 8 assists).
The hosts registered 17 shots (2.35 xG) while Finland managed just seven attempts (0.66 xG).
