Netherlands Survive Scare to Beat Lithuania 3-2
Memphis Depay breaks Robin van Persie's record and scores the winner as the Netherlands beat Lithuania 3-2 in a thrilling World Cup qualifier.
Memphis Depay once again proved crucial, heading the Netherlands into the lead from a precise cross by Denzel Dumfries in the 64th minute...
The Netherlands secured a 3-2 win over Lithuania in a challenging FIFA World Cup qualifier, thanks largely to Memphis Depay's record-breaking performance. Depay scored two crucial goals, helping the team overcome a disappointing stretch.
Ronald Koeman made significant changes to the lineup following the 1-1 draw against Poland, replacing five players. Micky van de Ven, Jan Paul van Hecke, Frenkie de Jong (due to injury), Xavi Simons, and Ryan Gravenberch were replaced by Nathan Ake, Stefan de Vrij, Jerdy Schouten, Donyell Malen, and Quinten Timber.
The match marked a historic moment for Memphis Depay, who broke Robin van Persie's all-time Netherlands scoring record. Depay was tied with Van Persie on 50 goals before the match and sealed his place in Dutch football history with his performance against Lithuania.
The Netherlands struggled to create scoring opportunities after taking the lead, but Ronald Koeman's team doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute. Feyenoord's Quinten Timber scored his first goal for the Netherlands, giving Oranje a 2-0 lead.
The Netherlands' momentum faltered, allowing Lithuania to mount a comeback. Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis scored a powerful goal in the 36th minute, beating Bart Verbruggen with a shot into the far corner and putting Lithuania on the board.
Lithuania's fightback gained momentum when Stefan de Vrij committed a needless foul, conceding a free kick in the 43rd minute. Gineitis delivered a perfect cross from the set piece, and defender Edvinas Girdvainis headed the ball home, stunningly leveling the score and putting Lithuania alongside the Netherlands. Despite dominating possession with 75%, the Netherlands struggled to maintain their lead, while Lithuania's 25% possession belied their clinical finishing.
The second half was a letdown for the Netherlands, as Ronald Koeman's unchanged lineup struggled to improve their performance. Lithuania created the first chance of the half, with Artur Dolznikov testing Bart Verbruggen's reflexes.
Memphis Depay once again proved crucial, heading the Netherlands into the lead from a precise cross by Denzel Dumfries in the 64th minute. However, the match wasn't over yet. Donyell Malen thought he had sealed the win after capitalizing on a goalkeeper error, but the goal was disallowed due to a push on a Lithuania defender, who appeared to be suffering from cramp.
Jurrien Timber came off the bench to make a crucial block in the final stages of the game, highlighting his value to the team. This defensive stop was pretty much all the Netherlands could muster in the last 15 minutes, a disappointing end to their outing in Kaunas.
𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐑. 👑#NothingLikeOranje pic.twitter.com/cUnmGquhgk
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) September 7, 2025
Despite a lackluster performance, the Netherlands secured a 3-2 win over Lithuania, putting them three points ahead in Group G. Poland and Finland trail closely, each having seven points from four games.
The Netherlands will face Malta and Finland in October, crucial matches that will determine their position in the group.
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