4-0 win over Montenegro keeps Netherlands on course for World Cup

The Oranje celebrate their fourth goal of the night with the maker, Cody Gakpo (pictured right) - Foto: KNVB Media

The Netherlands showed improved form in their second match under Louis van Gaal’s stewardship, securing a comfortable 4-0 win over Montenegro. Star striker Memphis Depay led the way with two goals and one assist. Saturday’s victory in their Group G World Cup qualifier will boost the Oranje’s confidence ahead of Tuesday’s crucial match against the leaders, Turkey.

The Netherlands are still on course for a berth in next year’s World Cup in Qatar. Facing a technically skilled Montenegro side, the men in orange didn’t disappoint the 23,500-strong home crowd in Eindhoven. After a somewhat restless start, the Netherlands created one chance after the other. A powerful Memphis Depay strike from the edge of the penalty box on 17 minutes was followed by a prolonged scrimmage closer to the goal and Davy Klaassen hit the crossbar on the half hour mark.

It was Depay who opened the score from the penalty spot on 37 minutes and he struck again 15 minutes into the second half with a low strike from short range, his third and fourth goal in five qualifiers. Next, the Barcelona striker brilliantly teed up his captain Georginio Wijnaldum on 69 minutes and Cody Gakpo made it 4-0 with a signature curved shot in the top-right corner.

Keen to learn

“We were longing for this victory,” a happy Wijnaldum commented after the match. “We were disappointed by Wednesday’s draw in Norway and fortunately Turkey also drew. Again, there was some tension in the beginning of the first half and also the second half. We were more accurate in our passing this time around, but occasionally, we lost the ball unnecessarily. We are still a young team and have a lot to learn. But we are open to learn and now we have to show it on the pitch. Tuesday we have a crunch game waiting for us in which we can deal a blow to our direct rival.”

Beautiful goals

Louis van Gaal also expressed satisfaction with the result and the overall performance. “Apart from the first 20 minutes, which were lousy,” he added. “The next 70 minutes were much better. Our passing was more accurate and we even outplayed our opponent. We could have scored even more goals, in my view, but we started off with some players not playing in the right position. Cody Gakpo, for example, should have played a bit deeper. Nonetheless, I am pleased that we were able to score four beautiful goals against such a defensive team. This will certainly give our confidence a boost."