Netherlands Thrash Malta 8-0, Poland Stunned by Finland in World Cup Qualifiers
The European Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup witnessed high drama and clinical dominance as Netherlands destroyed Malta 8-0 to continue their perfect campaign, while Poland suffered a shocking 2-1 loss to Finland in a match briefly halted by a medical emergency.
Dominant Dutch Put on a Show in Groningen
The Netherlands showed no mercy against minnows Malta, launching into a three-goal blitz in just 20 minutes. Star forward Memphis Depay led from the front, netting twice — once from the penalty spot and again with a thundering strike from outside the box. These goals brought his international tally to 50, putting him level with Dutch legend Robin van Persie as the country's joint top scorer.
Captain Virgil van Dijk added a stunning long-range effort to deepen Malta’s woes. The floodgates opened in the second half with goals from Xavi Simons, Donyell Malen (2), Noa Lang, and Micky van de Ven, rounding off an 8-0 demolition job.
This emphatic victory leaves Netherlands second in Group G with six points from just two matches, trailing group leaders Finland, who have played two more.
Finland Upset Poland in Lewandowski-less Clash
Elsewhere in Helsinki, Poland began their post-Lewandowski era on a sour note, losing 2-1 to Finland. After veteran striker Robert Lewandowski announced his unavailability for national selection due to disagreements with coach Michal Probierz, Poland seemed disoriented on the pitch.
Joel Pohjanpalo opened the scoring for Finland from the spot in the 31st minute, and Benjamin Kallman doubled the lead shortly after the interval. Poland pulled one back through Jakub Kiwior, but the match was delayed due to a medical emergency in the crowd. After the resumption, Poland pressed hard but failed to find an equalizer.
Poland now sit third in Group G with six points from three matches, while Finland lead with seven.
Group Highlights: Serbia, Austria, and Romania Progress
In other European qualifier results:
Serbia cruised to a 3-0 win over Andorra, thanks to an Aleksandar Mitrovic hat-trick. They are now third in Group K with four points.Austria defeated San Marino 4-0, moving to second in Group H, just three points behind leaders
What’s Next?
The European qualifiers continue to provide gripping narratives: powerhouse performances from the Netherlands, leadership struggles in Poland, and emerging underdogs like Finland taking early control. With many more matches ahead, expect group standings to shift and new stars to rise.
Key Takeaways:
- Memphis Depay equals Robin van Persie with 50 goals for the Netherlands.
- Netherlands remain unbeaten and unstoppable.
- Poland struggle without Lewandowski, falling to third in Group G.
- Serbia, Austria, and Finland make significant strides in their respective groups.
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