October 10, (THEWILL) — The Netherlands claimed a convincing 4-0 victory over Malta in their World Cup qualifying fixture, moving three points clear at the top of Group G. Cody Gakpo struck twice from the penalty spot and provided an assist for Tijjani Reijnders, while Memphis Depay added a late fourth goal. Ronald Koeman’s team now prepare for their next qualifier against Finland on Sunday.
Malta threatened early when Joseph Mbong intercepted a backpass from Virgil van Dijk but failed to convert from a narrow angle. The Netherlands responded swiftly and earned their first penalty in the 12th minute after Kurt Shaw fouled Ryan Gravenberch inside the box. Gakpo dispatched the spot-kick past goalkeeper Henry Bonello, then struck the post moments later.
The visitors doubled their lead shortly after half-time when Enrico Pepe brought down Wout Weghorst in the area. Gakpo again converted from 12 yards, placing his shot into the bottom-right corner. He appeared to have completed his hat-trick with a header from Jeremie Frimpong’s cross, but the referee ruled the effort offside.
Gakpo turned provider when Bonello’s error allowed him to intercept possession and square the ball for Reijnders, who finished clinically for the third goal. The Manchester City midfielder capitalised on the goalkeeper’s mistake to extend the Netherlands’ advantage at Ta’Qali National Stadium.
Depay completed the scoring in stoppage time, guiding Denzel Dumfries’s powerful cross into the net with a diving header. The comprehensive win keeps the Netherlands firmly in control of their qualifying group ahead of their meeting with Finland.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
