The Netherlands delivered a dominant 4-0 win over Finland in a World Cup qualifying match at Johan Cruyff Arena. The victory keeps them in a strong position in Group G, earning 16 points from six matches and putting them six points ahead of second-place Poland.
Goals came early from Donyell Malen and Virgil van Dijk, giving the home side a firm grip on the game. Then Memphis Depay converted a penalty, marking a milestone goal total, and Cody Gakpo added a late strike in the 84th minute to seal the result.
Key Players and Turning Moments
Malen sparked the rout with a sharp finish, while Van Dijk’s contribution underscored his leadership and aerial threat. Depay’s penalty not only extended the lead but also broke a scoring record, raising excitement among fans. Gakpo’s late goal added polish to the performance.
Finland struggled to respond. They rarely threatened the Dutch goal and could not cope with the relentless pressure. Defensively, Finland looked shaky, especially after the opener, finding it hard to keep up with runs and combinations from the home side.
What This Means for Group G
This big win increases the Netherlands’ margin at the top of Group G. They now sit comfortably ahead of Poland and can clinch qualification with a win over them in their upcoming fixture on November 14.
Finland, by contrast, faces a tougher path. With 10 points from their matches, they need more wins and favorable results from other games if they hope to reach the playoffs. Their margin for error has narrowed.
Strengths and Areas for Improvement
The Netherlands showed excellent early dominance, clinical finishing, and tight defense. Van Dijk led from the back, and Depay’s form remains strong. Their ability to score from different situations, such as open play, set pieces, and penalties, makes them dangerous.
However, there remains room for improvement. The Dutch slowed down in some stretches, allowing Finland brief periods of possession. They will want to maintain intensity throughout 90 minutes, particularly in big matches. Finland must address defensive lapses and find ways to stay cohesive under pressure.
Conclusion
The Netherlands beating Finland 4-0 sends a clear message: they are serious contenders for the 2026 World Cup. With goals from Malen, Van Dijk, Depay, and Gakpo, they combined experience with ambition. Finland will need to regroup quickly if they want to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Bonus Read: Türkiye Crushes Bulgaria 6-1 in World Cup Qualifier
https://shorturl.fm/a7Ljn