Netherlands seal World Cup spot with dominant 4–0 win over Lithuania
Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring in the 16th minute to give the Netherlands an early lead.
KATHMANDU: The Netherlands have officially qualified for next year’s FIFA World Cup after a commanding 4–0 victory over Lithuania.
The Dutch side, unbeaten throughout the qualifiers, had already been on the verge of booking their ticket, sitting three points above Poland with a superior goal difference of 13 heading into the final match.
Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring in the 16th minute to give the Netherlands an early lead.
Cody Gakpo doubled the advantage in the 58th minute from the penalty spot.
Xavi Simons made it 3–0 just two minutes later, before Donyell Malen added a spectacular solo goal in the 62nd minute to seal the dominant win.
In the group’s other match, second-placed Poland edged Malta 3–2 away from home.
Poland will now have to compete in the playoffs to secure their place at the World Cup.
