Memphis Depay set a new scoring record for the Netherlands as his double ensured they survived a scare in beating Lithuania 3-2 away in their World Cup qualifier on Sunday.
Two goals for the 31-year-old Depay took his national team tally to 52, going ahead of Robin van Persie’s previous record, and putting the Netherlands top of the Group G standings with 10 points from four games, three ahead of Poland, who are hosting Finland later on Sunday.
Depay had the Dutch ahead in the 11th minute as they looked to put aside the disappointment of Thursday’s 1-1 home draw against Poland in Rotterdam, volleying home from close range as Cody Gakpo pulled back a pass from the byline and being hoisted on to his teammates’ shoulders in celebration.
Midfielder Quinten Timber then got his first international goal as the Dutch doubled the lead in the 33rd minute and look to be cruising to an easy win. But Lithuania then scored twice in the space of seven minutes to level the score by half-time in a sudden turn around. First a mazy round from inside his own half by home captain Justas Lasickas drew the Dutch defence and set up Gvidas Gineitis for a 36th-minute strike. Gineitis then floated a free-kick in the 43rd minute for Edvinas Girdvainis to power a header home as he rose easily above Gakpo.
Dutch angst was extinguished in the 64th minute as Depay rose majestically to power home a header from Denzel Dumfries’ cross from the right flank and ensure a valuable three point haul as they seek a place at next year’s finals in North America.
Gakpo hit the woodwork in the 70th minute as the Dutch sought an insurance goal but Lithuania never gave up their quest for an equaliser and it was with much relief that Ronald Koeman’s team greeted the final whistle.
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Lithuania (143) were the lowest-ranked side to score a goal against the Dutch since 1992 when Fifa introduced the world rankings.
