Depay Matches⁣ Record as Netherlands Cruise in World Cup Qualifying

Updated June 11,⁤ 2025

Memphis Depay scored twice as the Netherlands routed Malta 8-0 in a World Cup qualifier, tying Robin van Persie’s all-time ⁣leading goalscorer record for the nation. The victory, played in Groningen,‍ keeps the Dutch on track⁢ for World‍ Cup qualification.

Depay’s ⁣pair of goals‍ came‍ early, the ⁢first from ⁢a penalty in the ⁤ninth minute.His second, shortly after, matched Van Persie’s 50-goal mark in⁢ the same number of appearances. Virgil⁢ van Dijk added another before halftime.

After the break, Xavi⁢ Simons‍ scored, assisted by⁢ Depay. Donyell Malen added two more, Noa Lang scored, and Micky van de Ven completed ⁢the scoring. ‍The Netherlands secured⁤ their ⁤second win in Group G.

Elsewhere, Finland, fresh off a loss to the netherlands, rebounded⁣ with a 2-1 victory over Poland in Helsinki. ⁣The⁣ match was temporarily halted ‍due to a⁣ medical emergency in the⁢ stands. Joel ⁤Pohjanpalo scored a penalty, and Benjamin Kallman added another for Finland, while Jakub Kiwior scored for Poland.

Austria defeated San Marino 4-0,with Marko Arnautovic scoring twice.Romania secured a 2-0 victory against Cyprus, and Serbia defeated Andorra 3-0 thanks to an Aleksandar Mitrovic hat trick. Latvia and ⁤ Albania drew 1-1.

Australia clinched their sixth consecutive World Cup qualification ‍with a 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia. Goals from Connor Metcalfe and Mitch Duke secured the‍ win, overcoming an early‍ goal from Abdulrahman Al-Obud.⁢ Mat⁤ Ryan, in his 100th appearance,‍ saved ⁢a late penalty.

What’s next

The Netherlands will continue their campaign to ⁢secure a spot in the World Cup, while other teams will continue to battle for qualification in their respective ⁣groups.