Ronald Koeman thinks that the Netherlands are almost certain of a place at the World Cup next year, after the 4-0 defeat against Malta on Thursday.
Koeman watched as his two penalties in either half from Cody Gakpo put the Dutch side in control at the Ta’Qali National Stadium before Tijjani Reijnders came into action.
And after making a late addition to the squad after his passport was stolen in Brazil, substitute Memphis Depay scored his 53rd international goal in second-half stoppage time.
The Netherlands are now three points clear at the top of Group G with three qualifying matches remaining. In the next match they will face third-placed Finland.
The last time the Dutch team failed to qualify for the World Cup was during the 2018 edition in Russia, but Koeman was confident of their place in next year’s tournament.
“We won 0-4, so that’s nice,” said Koeman. “I don’t find it frustrating, but we could have done things better.
“I thought we started well, although we gave away a chance to Malta in the third minute. Is the job done? For the most part, yes.”
“You have to win the home game, but we want to win all three games. We also owe it to our position to come first.”
“Do I look back on it with satisfaction? It’s not over yet. I’m satisfied if we come first in the group, but it’s not like we’re going to run the polonaise.”
A victory over Malta! #NothingLikeOrange #MLTNED pic.twitter.com/9EvEPM6bA9
– Onesare (@onsoran) October 9, 2025
The Netherlands were worthy of victory here, with an expected goals total (xG) of 3.4 from their 22 attempts, compared to Malta’s 0.4 from their seven shots.
But it was Gakpo who stole the show. The Liverpool striker became the first Dutch player to score twice from the penalty spot in one match (not including shootouts) since Rob Rensenbrink against Iran at the 1978 World Cup.
“I was allowed to take the penalty because Memphis was not on the field,” Gakpo said.
“There wasn’t really a clear agreement about who could take him; it was up to me and Wout Weghorst.
“I can never handle it at Liverpool. But normally things go quite well for me. I have only missed a penalty once. That was for PSV against FC Copenhagen.”
Gakpo also finished the match with a team-high total for chances created (five), while only Depay (five) had more shots than the hero with two goals (four, level with Reijnders).
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