The Netherlands are going to the World Cup, a clear win against Lithuania is enough to secure their ticket. Robert Lewandowski, on the other hand, still has to worry with Poland.
17.11.2025, 23:10
dpa
As expected, the Netherlands have secured their ticket to next year's World Cup. Coach Ronald Koeman's team easily defeated Lithuania 4-0 in the final qualifying match, removing any remaining theoretical doubts. Tijjani Reijnders (16th minute), Cody Gakpo (58th), Xavi Simons (60th) and Donyell Malen (62nd) scored the goals for Oranje.
Poland, on the other hand, will have to play in the play-offs despite a flattering 3:2 win at outsiders Malta. Robert Lewandowski (32), Pawel Wszolek (59) and Piotr Zielinski (85) scored for the Poles, who could hardly have caught up with the Dutch even if they had won. Irvin Cardona (36th) and Teddy Teuma (68th/foul penalty) scored for Malta.
Three goals in the space of four minutes
Although the World Cup qualifiers were practically a foregone conclusion with a three-point lead and a much better goal difference, Bonds coach Koeman relied on his key players in Amsterdam. And that paid off: The hosts dominated the game and took a deserved lead through Reijnders. After the break, Gakpo, Xavi and Malen struck three times in the space of four minutes to decide the game.
