Netherlands Cruise Past Finland 4–0, Move Closer to World Cup Berth

The Netherlands secured a commanding 4–0 victory over Finland at the Johan Cruyff Arena, further widening their lead in Group G and positioning themselves strongly on the road to the 2026 World Cup.

The action came early: Donyell Malen struck in the 8th minute after a quick one-two with Memphis Depay, setting the tone for a dominant display. Shortly after, captain Virgil van Dijk rose to nod in a free kick, giving the hosts a two-goal cushion inside the first 15 minutes. A penalty converted by Depay in the 38th minute extended his international tally, breaking a long-standing Dutch scoring record. The finishing touch arrived in the 84th minute when Cody Gakpo unleashed a precise shot from the edge of the box to put the game beyond doubt.

With this win, the Dutch sit comfortably atop their group with 16 points in six matches—six points clear of second-placed Poland, who play later Sunday. A victory in their next fixture in Poland on November 14 would clinch their qualification directly to the World Cup.

Coach Ronald Koeman acknowledged criticism over past performances, but said his team replied emphatically on the pitch. Van Dijk, celebrating ten years with the national squad, called the performance “complete,” praising both their attacking fluency and defensive solidity.