Two penalties by Cody Gakpo paved the way for the Netherlands as they defeated Malta 4-0 in another match from Group G of the European Qualifiers leading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the National Stadium on Thursday.
Malta had four changes from the team which drew with Lithuania in the last qualifier in Vilnius as Zach Muscat and Paul Mbong were ruled out injured while Myles Beerman and Brandon Paiber started the game on the bench.
Doe Leo started with Pepe and Shaw at the back with Cornalan and Camenzuli on the flanks, Satariano and Guillaumier in midfield with Mbong, Teuma and Chouaref behind Cardona.
Photos courtesy of Malta FA
The locals had an opportunity to take the lead after just two minutes when Joseph Mbong took advantage of an erratic back pass by Virgil van Dijk but concluded wide from the left.
Tijjani Reijnders had a shot from inside the area neutralised by Bonello on 9 minutes.
Three minutes later, Netherlands took the lead when they were awarded a penalty after Gravenberch was brought down inside the area by Kurt Shaw and Cody Gakpo converted from the penalty spot.
The visitors went close to doubling the score on 15 minutes as Gakpo hit the upright with a fine shot from the left. Seven minutes later, Micky van de Ven, served on the left, had a diagonal shot ending just wide.
Ilyas Choauref had two shots blocked by defenders following a good move for Malta on 35 minutes.
Seven minutes from the end of the first half, referee Duje Strukan awarded the Netherlands another penalty but the decision was overturned after VAR check.
Four minutes in the second half, the Netherlands were awarded another penalty after Enrico Pepe pushed Weghorst down inside the area and Cody Gakpo converted his second penalty.
On 57 minutes, Gakpo intercepted a pass by Bonello and served Tijjani Reijnders who placed the ball at the back of the net.
Ilyas Chouaref sent Magri Overend through on the left on 78 minutes but the latter’s attempt was deflected by a defender and parried by Verbruggen.
Two minutes in added time, Memphis Depay added another as he headed the ball home off. A cross from the right.
MALTA Henry Bonello, Ryan Camenzuli, Kurt Shaw, Matthew Guillaumier, Joseph Mbong (72’ Adam Magri Overend), Ilyas Chouaref (84’ Jodi Jones), Teddy Teuma (84’ Kemar Reid), Irvin Cardona (87’ Basil Tuma), Enrico Pepe, Juan Corbalan, Alexander Satariano (72’ Yannick Yankam).
NETHERLANDS Bart Verbruggen, Jurriën Timber, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Wout Weghorst (67’ Memphis Depay), Cody Gakpo (85’ Xavi Simons), Jeremie Frimpong (67’ Donyell Malen), Tijjani Reijnders, Micky van de Ven (85’ Quilindschy Hartman), Frenkie de Jong (67’ Justin Kluivert), Denzel Dumfries.
Referee: Duje Strukan CRO
Assistant Referees: Alen Jakšić, Marjan Tomas CRO
Fourth official: Patrik Kolarić CRO
VAR: Ivan Bebek CRO
Assistant VAR: Dario Bel CRO