EINDHOVEN (Netherlands), Sep 5: Memphis Depay scored a brace and the Netherlands outclassed Montenegro 4-0 on Saturday to stay second in Europe Group G of World Cup qualifying.
The Barcelona striker shot the Netherlands into the lead from the penalty spot in the 38th minute after he was hauled down by Dusan Lagator. He doubled the lead in the 62nd with a hard shot that beat goalkeeper Matija Sarkic at his near post.
Georginio Wijnaldum made it 3-0 in the 70th after a quick pass by Steven Berghuis, and Cody Gakpo curled a shot into the far corner six minutes later for a memorable first international goal.
It was a night to remember for fans at Philips Stadium; Depay and Wijnaldum made their names playing in Eindhoven, and Gakpo still plays for PSV. The Netherlands plays Turkey in Amsterdam on Tuesday.
The Netherlands started without captain Virgil van Dijk, to prevent the Liverpool defender who has only recently fully recovered from a serious knee injury from having to play three internationals in a week.
Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt replaced Van Dijk, while Van Gaal gave a debut to Feyenoord left back Tyrell Malacia to replace the suspended Daley Blind.
The Netherlands started sluggishly, but quickly took control of the match. Davy Klaassen shot just over in the 28th and headed powerfully against the bar four minutes later before Depay opened the scoring.
Depay scored his 30th international goal to put the result beyond doubt before Wijnaldum and Gakpo rounded off the scoring. Van Gaal beamed and raised his arms to celebrate Gakpo’s strike.
Depay even posed for a selfie with a young fan who ran onto the pitch. (AP)
