Memphis Depay made history for the Netherlands by scoring twice in a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Lithuania in their World Cup qualifier on Sunday.
The 31-year-old’s brace took his international goal tally to 52, surpassing Robin van Persie’s previous record. The win also put the Netherlands at the top of Group G with 10 points from four matches, three ahead of Poland, who faced Finland later that day.
Depay opened the scoring in the 11th minute, finishing a close-range volley after Cody Gakpo’s assist from the byline. He was carried on his teammates’ shoulders in celebration.
Midfielder Quinten Timber added a second in the 33rd minute, seemingly putting the Dutch in control. However, Lithuania turned the game around with two quick goals before halftime. Captain Justas Lasickas led a driven run from midfield before setting up Gvidas Gineitis to score in the 36th minute. Seven minutes later, Gineitis delivered a free-kick that Edvinas Girdvainis headed past the Dutch defense.
Depay secured the win in the 64th minute, meeting Denzel Dumfries’ cross with a powerful header. Gakpo struck the post later in the match, but Lithuania continued pressing for an equalizer before the final whistle brought relief to Ronald Koeman’s side.
Lithuania, ranked 143rd, became the lowest-ranked team to score against the Netherlands since FIFA introduced world rankings in 1992.
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