A much improved performance against Finland put the Netherlands in pole position to qualify for next year’s World Cup, with Memphis Depay playing a pivotal role in his return to the starting line-up.
Ronald Koeman opted for an attacking line-up, with Donyell Malen, Justin Kluivert and Cody Gakpo forming a three-man line behind Depay, with Tijjani Reinders making way.
It took just eight minutes for Oranje to open the scoring in Amsterdam after a storming start, as Depay laid the ball off for Malen to beat Jesse Joronen with an angled shot into the top corner.
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Author's summary: Netherlands takes a big step towards World Cup finals.