The Netherlands have edged closer towards qualifying for Qatar 2022 with a huge victory over minnows Gibraltar.
Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands breezed past minnows Gibraltar in their qualifying clash in Rotterdam with a convincing scoreline. Memphis Depay’s brace proved crucial as the Dutch national side thrashed their opponents 6-0 in this match, bringing them closer than ever towards an automatic World Cup qualification.
Three goals in each half were enough for the Dutch to see out their opponents, who could not contain the home side at any point during the clash. The manner of the victory would have surely pleased the Rotterdam audience, who saw their side’s full strength display.
Louis van Gaal opted to field one of his strongest lineups when he could have easily rested some of his key stars for this stars, namely Depay. However, the Barcelona forward got on the act with a double, although he did miss a first-half penalty.
Virgil van Dijk, Denzel Dumfries, Arnaut Danjuma and Donyell Malen got on to the scoresheet to finish this international break in style. Netherlands can now book their place for next year’s grand tournament in Qatar when they face Montenegro next month. Here’s how the Oranje stars fared against Gibraltar in their more than convincing win over the European minnows.
4+ – The Netherlands have scored at least four goals in three consecutive home games for the first time since October 2001, also under Louis van Gaal. Spirit. pic.twitter.com/2aihJsoOyY
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) October 11, 2021
Justin Bijlow: 6/10
Sometimes, you have to feel sorry for goalkeepers trying to stake a claim on the national side, but the poor quality of the opposition does not let them display their potential. Such was the case with Bijlow, as Gibraltar barely offered the keeper anything meaningful on the night.
Denzel Dumfries: 6/10
Lpuis van Gaal’s insistence on starting him probably proves Dumfries might be the outright first-choice in this Dutch side at right-back. He did repay the faith with a goal, while his performance improves with each passing game.
Virgil van Dijk: 7/10
A comfortable evening for the Netherlands captain, who was barely troubled by Gibraltar’s attack. He imposed himself well in the game while opening the scoring for his side around the ninth minute.
Proud of the boys this week. Great feeling to get a goal after so long! Hopefully we can qualify in the next international period! ?? pic.twitter.com/mLFodYgbls
— Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk) October 11, 2021
Stefan de Vrij: 6/10
A composed performance from the Inter Milan star, as he, too, had a relatively quiet game at the back.
Daley Blind: 6/10
Blind’s lack of pace is usually evident against stronger opposition, but he is perfectly suited when it comes to playing smaller sides. Did well in possession and tried his best to contribute towards attacking.
Frenkie de Jong: 5/10
Frenkie de Jong sometimes baffles with his performances against weaker opposition. Contrastingly, he does well in controlling games against some of the big sides, and this was not an evening he would have seen forthcoming.
Davy Klaassen: 7/10
A crucial goal in the previous game against Latvia rewarded Klaassen with a start here, and he repaid with an assist for the second goal. Very good performance from the midfielder.
Georginio Wijnaldum: 5/10
Winjaldum’s PSG form is perfectly reflecting onto his national side displays, and the former Liverpool midfielder looks low on confidence. Got his usual scoring chances but failed to convert while offering close to nothing during his time on the pitch.
Steven Berghuis: 6/10
Berghuis started in place of Danjuma, who probably eclipsed him after coming off the bench. Either way, Berghuis was decent but unspectacular. He needs to integrate more alongside his attacking partners to be more effective.
Memphis Depay: 8/10
Had Depay put in such a performance against a stronger team, he might have got a 10/10 rating. However, against Gibraltar, he scored twice, provided two assists and missed a penalty. Louis van Gaal could have rested him for this game, but the Barcelona forward’s selection shows his importance to the team.
Most goals in European World Cup qualifying: Memphis Depay ??
Most assists in European World Cup qualifying: Memphis Depay ??
??? pic.twitter.com/qLChbqAo2F
— Goal (@goal) October 11, 2021
Noa Lang: 7/10
Lang can be proud of his full debut performance, as van Gaal finally gave the attacker his deserved chance. Quite an explosive first half from Lang, but he tailed off a bit in the second period before being taken off.
SUBSTITUTES
Arnaut Danjuma: 7.5/10
As we mentioned in Berghuis’s rating, Danjuma should have started in his place. Scorer of the fifth goal, which justified his lively performance after coming on the pitch. He should start against Montenegro if he keeps his form between now and November 14th.
Wout Weghorst: 6/10
A good cameo off the bench for Weghorst got an assist and nearly scored a goal too. He is proving himself to be a lethal option for van Gaal from the bench.
Donyell Malen: 6/10
We had predicted him to start the match and have a starring performance. Unfortunately, he was named among the substitutes but fortunately showed the manager his talent by scoring the sixth goal.
