Dutch media react to Virgil van Dijk performance vs Lithuania
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Image Credits: Imago ImagesVirgil van Dijk was once again in action for the Netherlands over this weekend.
Memphis Depay etched his name into Dutch football history with a brace that secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Lithuania in World Cup qualifying on Sunday, becoming the Netherlands’ all-time leading goalscorer in the process.
The Corinthians striker opened the scoring in the 11th minute, converting a cutback from Cody Gakpo to surpass Robin van Persie’s record of 50 international goals.
Depay’s historic 51st goal for his country came during his 104th cap, moving him clear as the sole record holder after being tied with Van Persie.
Quinten Timber doubled the Netherlands’ advantage in the 33rd minute, seemingly putting Ronald Koeman’s side in control.
However, Lithuania, ranked 143rd in the world, produced a spirited fightback that stunned the visitors.
Gvidas Gineitis pulled one back before halftime, followed by Edvinas Girdvainis’ equalizing header to level the match at 2-2.
The dramatic encounter required Depay’s intervention once more.
The 31-year-old headed home a Denzel Dumfries cross just after the hour mark to complete his brace and secure all three points for the Netherlands.
His 52nd international goal ensured the Dutch maintained their position at the top of Group G with 10 points from four matches.
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch was notably absent from the squad, having been rested by Koeman as part of rotation policy.
Ons Oranje gave the Reds skipper a 6/10 and dubbed his performance “not the finest” in an Oranje shirt:
“Won a lot in the air but also struggled at times against the Lithuanian attack.
Not his finest evening in Oranje.”
Voetbal Primeur also gave Van Dijk a 6/10 and wrote:
“Did not play a big match, but was significantly better than his partner in crime De Vrij?
Van Dijk still contributed with deep balls here and there to the build-up of the Orange.”
Finally, De Telegraaf gave a slighly warmer 6.5/10 and explained:
“Van Dijk will always have the appearance of a leader in a competition
He didn’t do spectacular things, tried to create something with some depth passes.”
The victory keeps Netherlands three points clear of Poland and Finland in the qualifying group, with the winners earning direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
READ MORE: German media react to Florian Wirtz performance vs Northern Ireland
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