Memphis Depay and Steven Berghuis stood out as Netherlands cruised to a 7-0 win over Gibraltar in the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers on Tuesday.
The first half was a frustrating period for Netherlands for the most part as some atrocious finishing coupled with some fine saves by Dayle Coleing meant that it was not until the 41st minute that the Gibraltar goal was finally breached. And, it took a brilliant first-time finish by Steven Berghuis to break the deadlock.
The floodgates then opened post the interval as Berghuis turned provider early in the second period to set Luuk de Jong up before three goals in four minutes just past the hour mark sealed the deal. These goals were netted by Memphis Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum and Donyell Malen. Then, late in the game, some more gloss was added to the scoreline.
Donny van de Beek and Depay found the back of the net close to the end of the regulation period, as Netherlands ended the international break on a thumping note, closing the gap to Turkey to just one point following their 3-3 draw with Latvia. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Frank de Boer’s men.
Tim Krul: 6/10
It did not even feel like Krul was even on the pitch, with Gibraltar not even mustering a shot off target, let alone one on target. Completed each of the 13 passes he attempted.
Denzel Dumfries: 6/10
A blow-hot-blow-cold display by Dumfries, who has failed to grab his opportunities with both hands this month. His output in the final third left a lot to be desired again while he should have scored from a header from point-blank range. Did win 8 duels but he needs to do better with his final ball.
Matthijs de Ligt: 6/10
Easy as you like for de Ligt, who did not even break a sweat, with Netherlands thoroughly in control of the proceedings from start to finish. Did manage to win 9 duels, though, in addition to making 3 clearances, 2 interceptions and 2 tackles, mostly doing so high up the pitch.
Daley Blind: 6/10
One of the easiest outings of his career till date for Blind, who was rarely called into action. But, the former Manchester United man did go off with a knee injury that will be a major concern for his club now.
Owen Wijndal: 8/10
A much-improved display by Wijndal. While his end product can still do with a lot of work, this was a game in which he did get some rewards for his efforts, grabbing a couple of late assists to go with his 5 key passes in the game. Some wasteful crosses at times, but this was a fine showing for the most part for the 21-year-old.
?? Owen Wijndal (21) v. Gibraltar:
☑️ 90 minutes
? Clean sheet
?️ 2 assists
? 5 key passes
⚔️ 5 duels won
↪️ 9 crosses
? 63 touches
? 7-0 winLove the season he’s having for club and country. ?
Two bounce back wins. pic.twitter.com/Dm0zK4kbJr
— Football Wonderkids (@fbwonderkids) March 30, 2021
Georginio Wijnaldum: 6.5/10
Yet another game of hits and misses for Wijnaldum, who made some poor touches on the ball at times, although one such moment saw him inadvertently provide the assist to Steven Berghuis for Netherlands’ opening goal. Made a fine finish to make it 4-0, but needs to be more involved.
Davy Klaassen: 6/10
Klaassen will think of this international break as one of missed opportunities. The Ajax star did end up grabbing the assist for Donyell Malen’s goal, but he was wasteful with his chances in the final third while his pass completion rate of 78 percent was dreadful. Won 3 duels, though.
Frenkie de Jong: 6/10
Frenkie de Jong saw the ball more often than any other player. While the Barcelona midfielder did provide Netherlands the control in the game, he was a bit passive at times and could have been more incisive considering the amount of space he was afforded. Did play a couple of key passes and was solid off the ball.
Steven Berghuis: 9/10
For a second successive game, Berghuis managed to be mighty impressive for Netherlands. The 29-year-old winger was a constant outlet on the right flank and boasted a joint-game-high 6 key passes along with Memphis Depay. The finish for his goal was simply outstanding while he also provided the assist for Luuk de Jong’s strike. Could have had a few more assists on another day.
Steven Berghuis created more chances than any other player against Gibraltar (6).
He also got a goal and an assist. pic.twitter.com/MnpMYA6cTM
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 30, 2021
Luuk de Jong: 6/10
He might have found the back of the net but this was another game in which Luuk de Jong ended up frustrating a great deal. There were times when Gibraltar’s defensive outlook meant he was isolated while his finishing was once again underwhelming on occasion. However, he made no mistake in converting Berghuis’s low cross for Netherlands’ second. Has to do better, though.
Memphis Depay: 9/10
In what has become a running theme in the international break, Depay once again cut a frustrated figure as he was thwarted by Coleing on a couple of occasions in the first half before he finally managed to find the back of the net post the break.
Fortunate for his first goal, as the ball went into the net after his free-kick was deflected by the wall. The finish for the second goal was more memorable, with Depay showing some fine poacher’s instinct while he also played a game-high 6 key passes. His suitors must be impressed.
Memphis Depay’s game by numbers vs. Gibraltar:
114 touches
7 shots (most)
7 crosses
5 chances created
4 take-ons (most)
4 shot on target (most)
2 goals— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 30, 2021
SUBSTITUTES
Ryan Gravenberch: 7/10
On for Dumfries, Gravenberch was solid in the second half, as he completed 92 percent of his passes while also creating a decent chance. Worked hard off the ball as well, winning 4 duels while making a couple of tackles.
Donyell Malen: 7/10
Not involved a great deal after replacing Blind, but Malen still managed to produce a composed finish to make it 5-0.
Donny van de Beek: 7/10
On for Klaassen, van de Beek hardly got a touch, but did manage to pop up inside the Gibraltar box to score Netherlands’ sixth of the night. A goal that should give him a lot of confidence.
Ryan Babel: N/A
A late introduction, Babel barely even touched the ball after replacing Luuk de Jong.
Calvin Stengs: N/A
A late introduction, Stengs did not get many opportunities to showcase his best abilities.
