FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Depay’s record double sees Netherlands survive scare in Lithuania

FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Depay’s record double sees Netherlands survive scare in Lithuania

Memphis Depay set a new scoring record for the Netherlands as his double ensured it survived a scare in beating Lithuania 3-2 away in its World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

Two goals for the 31-year-old Depay took his national team tally to 52, going ahead of Robin van Persie’s previous record, and putting the Netherlands top of the Group G standings with 10 points from four games, three ahead of Poland.

“I’m super proud and very glad I got past Robin. I thanked everyone in the dressing room,” he told Dutch NOS television.

“I also want to thank old teammates like Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Arjen Robben, for example. They inspired me. The same goes for Patrick Kluivert. It was because of him that I wanted to reach the Dutch national team.”

Depay had the Dutch ahead in the 11th minute as they looked to put aside the disappointment of Thursday’s 1-1 home draw against Poland in Rotterdam, volleying home from close range as Cody Gakpo pulled back a pass from the byline and being hoisted onto his teammates’ shoulders in celebration.

Midfielder Quinten Timber then got his first international goal as the Dutch doubled the lead in the 33rd minute and look to be cruising to an easy win.

But Lithuania then scored twice in the space of seven minutes to level the score by halftime in a sudden turn around.

First a mazy round from inside his own half by home captain Justas Lasickas drew the Dutch defence and set up Gvidas Gineitis for a 36th-minute strike.

Gineitis then floated a freekick in the 43rd minute for Edvinas Girdvainis to power a header home as he rose easily above Gakpo.

Dutch angst was extinguished in the 64th minute as Depay rose majestically to power home a header from Denzel Dumfries’ cross from the right flank and ensure a valuable three point haul as they seek a place at next year’s finals in North America.

Gakpo hit the woodwork in the 70th minute as the Dutch sought an insurance goal but Lithuania never gave up their quest for an equaliser and it was with much relief that Ronald Koeman’s team greeted the final whistle.

Lithuania (143) was the lowest-ranked side to score a goal against the Dutch since 1992 when FIFA first introduced the world rankings.

Published on Sep 08, 2025