The Netherlands2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers with an emphatic 8-0 win over Malta in Groningen on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Poland’s struggles deepened as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Finland, playing without their star striker Robert Lewandowski.
Memphis Depay Reaches Historic Milestone
Memphis Depay stole the show for the Dutch, scoring a first-half brace. His first came from the penalty spot in the 9th minute, and his second, a bullet from the edge of the box, came just seven minutes later. These goals brought Depay’s international tally to 50 goals, tying him with Dutch legend Robin van Persie as the Netherlands’ all-time top scorer.
Dominant Display by the Oranje
The goals kept coming as Virgil van Dijk unleashed a 20-yard strike to make it 3-0 before half-time. In the second half, the Netherlands turned up the tempo. Xavi Simons, Noa Lang, Donyell Malen (who netted twice), and Micky van de Ven added their names to the scoresheet, sealing an 8-0 thrashing over Malta.
With two matches in hand, the Dutch are just one point behind Group G leaders Finland, who now have seven points from three games.
Poland’s Nightmare Without Lewandowski
It was a night to forget for Poland in Helsinki. Following Lewandowski’s shock announcement that he won’t play under current coach Michal Probierz, Poland lacked bite in attack.
Finland went ahead through Joel Pohjanpalo’s penalty in the 31st minute. Benjamin Kallman doubled the lead shortly after the break. Although Jakub Kiwior pulled one back for Poland in the 69th minute, the game was paused due to a medical emergency in the crowd. Upon resumption, Poland pushed for an equalizer but Finland held firm for a 2-1 win.
Serbia, Austria, and Romania Make Headlines
- Serbia defeated Andorra 3-0 with a hat-trick from Aleksandar Mitrovic, climbing to third in Group K.
- Austria crushed San Marino 4-0 in Group H thanks to an early brace from Marko Arnautovic, moving second behind Bosnia.
- Romania edged past Cyprus 2-0 but dropped to third after Austria’s back-to-back wins.
Group G Standings Update
| Position | Team | Points | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finland | 7 | 3 |
| 2 | Netherlands | 6 | 1 |
| 3 | Poland | 6 | 3 |
What’s Next?
The Netherlands are quickly emerging as serious contenders in Group G, with two games in hand and top form across their squad. For Poland, however, the path to 2026 qualification now looks uncertain without Lewandowski and under the cloud of internal discord.
